21 Indian Wrestlers to Miss U23 World C'ship After Spain Reject Visa Application

Reports suggest WFI had picked a 30-member squad for the championship but only nine were granted visas.

Indian wrestlers have been denied visas by Spanish embassy to participate in the Under-23 World Championship.

(Photo: iStock)

In a major setback, 21 Indian wrestlers have been forced to miss the Under-23 World Championship, that started on 17 October, after the Spanish embassy rejected their visa application.

Their visas were rejected on grounds that the embassy believed the wrestlers would not return back to India on their stated date.

In an image shared by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), it can be seen that Under-20 woman's World Champion Antim Panghal's visa application has been rejected on grounds: 'There are reasonable doubts as to your intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa.'

This is the first time in the history of Indian wrestling that the Indian players were denied visas for such a major tournament, it said. 

"The Wrestling Federation of India submitted the visa applications of all players and coaches to the Spanish Embassy on 4 October 2022, but the Spanish Embassy rejected the visa applications of all players and coaches on October 17, 2022," read a statement released by the WFI. 

"The Wrestling Federation of India will complain in writing to the World Wrestling Federation and emphasize on banning of any important competition in Spain," it added. 

As per reports, the WFI had picked a 30-member squad for the Championship, which began on Monday, but only nine were granted visas. 

For the record, at the 2021 edition of the tournament in Belgrade, Indian wrestlers had secured an impressive five medals. 

(With inputs from IANS)