New Delhi: The Indian wrestling contingent’s travel plans for the U20 World Championships in Slovakia were briefly disrupted after visa processing was reportedly delayed over concerns linked to an earlier incident involving Indian athletes who allegedly went missing from the country.
The championships are scheduled to take place in Bratislava from August 16 to 23. The Indian wrestlers need to reach Slovakia by August 14 to complete weigh ins and other formalities before competition begins.
The visa issue has now reportedly been resolved following coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs, the Sports Ministry, United World Wrestling and the Wrestling Federation of India. The federation plans to send the contingent to Slovakia in batches.
Wrestlers are expected to submit their passports and attend visa interviews in New Delhi as part of the process. The WFI has also assured the Slovak authorities that all members of the delegation will return to India after the tournament.
The federation has reportedly offered to cooperate with additional verification measures, including head counts at the embassy if required.
India is scheduled to send a 45 member delegation to Bratislava for the championships. The contingent includes 30 wrestlers, nine coaches, three physiotherapists and three referees.
The Slovak Wrestling Association has acknowledged that the Indian federation encountered difficulties during the visa process. However, its president Jan Karsnak said the association did not have official information about the earlier incident involving athletes.
The Indian side is now working to complete the remaining formalities in time for the team to reach Bratislava ahead of the competition.
With the visa issue resolved, the focus has shifted back to preparations for the U20 World Championships, where the Indian wrestlers will compete against leading young talent from across the world.
