Controversy has arisen over nine Indian wrestlers not getting US visas. These wrestlers were about to compete in the ongoing Under-23 World Wrestling Championship in Las Vegas, but America did not give them visas saying they were unemployed. The US Embassy also cited the wrestlers being under 20 years of age as the reason for rejecting the visas. India's medal hopes have suffered a major blow due to these wrestlers not getting visas.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh said that at least two of these wrestlers were strong contenders for the gold medal. He told news agency IANS that the President of United World Wrestling (UWW) had also written a letter in this matter but the US Embassy did not hear anything. The incident of not getting visa due to unemployment and young age has happened for the first time in history.
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Sanjay Singh told the American Embassy to his heart's content
Taking aim at the US Embassy, WFI President Sanjay Singh said, 'The US Embassy rejected the visas of 9 Indian wrestlers on the grounds that they are unemployed. This has happened for the first time in history. Even the President of the UWW had written a letter to him regarding this matter. The American Embassy is completely responsible for the visa rejection and due to this India had to lose the gold medal. Of the 9 wrestlers who did not get visas, at least 2 were strong contenders for the gold medal. Due to the mistake of the American Embassy, India had to suffer a huge loss of medals.
Visas of Greco-Roman and female wrestlers rejected
All 10 wrestlers of the Indian men's freestyle team got US visa. In the Greco-Roman and women's wrestling categories, 9 wrestlers did not get visa approval. Let us tell you that the Under-23 World Wrestling Championship started from 12th with Greco-Roman matches. Greco-Roman matches will take place till October 14. The women's competition will be held from October 14 to 16, while the men's freestyle competition will be held from October 16 to 18.
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Vishwajeet More reached the final
Amidst the visa controversy, Indian wrestler Vishwajit More has created history by making it to the finals in the Greco-Roman category. He has become the first Greco-Roman wrestler from India to reach the final of the Under-23 World Championship. Vishwajeet has already won 2 bronze at this level but now he has a chance to win gold.