Mumbai Mumbai. Indian Grandmaster Arjun Arigasi heaved a sigh of relief after receiving his US visa to participate in the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Championships starting in New York from December 26. The world number four Indian player appealed to the US Embassy on Friday The request was to expedite the process of granting them the visas needed to participate in the tournament, which will be attended by top players such as Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Boris Gelfand.
“I have received a US visa! I am honestly overwhelmed and very grateful for such a positive response to my situation,” Erigassy wrote on her 'X' handle. “Thank you @USAndIndia and @USAmbIndia for this prompt action.” Thanks to @MEAIndia @anandmahindra @naicfchess @IndiaSports @FIDE_chess @USChess @QBResearch @mgd1_esports and many other well-wishers for making this possible. Tried every possible effort.
“I hope to make all of you and our country proud on my achievements. I am coming to New York,” he said. On Friday, Erigasi met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Akhilesh Kumar via social media. He had contacted the Indian Chess Federation (AICF) and requested their assistance in securing a visa.
“@USAndIndia Last week I submitted my passport to you for visa stamping and it has not been returned yet. I request you to please expedite the process and return my passport as soon as possible as I need the World Rapid and Need this to go to New York for the Blitz Championships,” he wrote on 'X'.
“If anyone can help me with this please DM.” Erigay, who recently became the second Indian after Vishwanathan Anand to achieve the gold-standard ELO rating of 2800, has been in sensational form this year. He won an individual gold as well as a team title in India's historic performance at the Chess Olympiad. Prominent players who competed in the championship included Hikaru Nakamura, Wesley So, Levon Aronian, Jeffrey Xiong, Linier Dominguez Perez, Hans Niemann and Sam Shankland is included.
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