In a weird resolution, the Spanish embassy denied visas to 21 Indian wrestlers who had been to compete on the Under-23 World Championships in Pontevedra, on the suspicion that they might not depart the world earlier than the expiry of the visas, in response to the nationwide federation. stated on Monday.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had shortlisted a 30-man squad for the championship that started on Monday, however solely 9 had been granted visas.
Last Panghal, India’s first U-20 girls’s world champion, was among the many wrestlers who missed out on taking part.
“This is something we have never faced before. Our wrestlers are being denied visas on the most frivolous grounds, despite the approval of the Government of India and the invitation of the world governing body UWW,” Vinod Tomar, assistant secretary, WFI, advised PTI. has given.
“We have obtained rejection letters this night (Monday), once we requested for issuance of passports on the earliest. It’s actually unusual. I actually do not understand how the officers got here to the conclusion that the wrestler and coach wouldn’t return to India. WFI had additionally utilized for visas for 9 of its coaches, however solely six acquired visas.
Of the ten freestyle wrestlers, solely Aman (57kg) acquired visas whereas the purposes of 9 others had been rejected. Interestingly, three freestyle coaches got visas.
Of the six Greco-Roman wrestlers and girls, solely Ankush (50kg) and Manasi (59kg) may get the visa.
“Now how can we ship three coaches for one wrestler, so we’re sending Mr Jagmander Singh with peace. Six Greco-Roman wrestlers have already reached Spain and two feminine wrestlers left on Sunday.
“Our wrestlers are strong contenders for medals, they didn’t give them a chance to shine on the big stage,” he stated.
The head coach of the Greco-Roman crew, Mahabir Prasad, demanded a ban on Spain.
“It’s actually insulting. What do they consider Indian wrestlers and coaches? Why will not we depart the nation, we had been simply going to compete and I’ve been to Spain and USA a minimum of 5-6 occasions previously, Dronacharya awardee Mahabir expressed his displeasure.
“Spain should be fined and banned. It has already created a big issue in the championship. It is a shame for Spain as a country. Our wrestlers missed just one chance but Spain did.” Faced defeat,” he stated.
Mahabir narrated how the UWW had threatened to ban WFI if it denies Pakistani wrestlers the chance to compete within the Asian Championships in 2019.
“UWW had stated that if Pakistan refuses entry for the Asian Championships in New Delhi it would impose sanctions on India. Now that was on the Asian stage and now it’s on the world stage. We will see what UWW does now,” he stated.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
