In a weird resolution, the embassy of Spain has denied visas to 21 Indian wrestlers, who have been to compete on the U-23 World Championship in Pontevedra, on suspicion that they won’t depart the territory earlier than the expiry of visas, the nationwide federation mentioned on Monday.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had picked a 30-member squad for the Championship, that started on Monday, however solely 9 have been granted visas.
India’s first ever Beneath-20 girl world Champion Antim Panghal was among the many wrestlers who missed out on participation.
“That is one thing we’ve got by no means confronted earlier than. Regardless of presenting the Indian authorities’s clearance and an invite from the world governing physique UWW, our wrestlers have been denied visas on probably the most frivolous floor,” WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar instructed PTI.
“We now have received the rejection letters this night (Monday) after we made a request to launch the passports as quickly as attainable. That is actually weird. I actually don’t understand how the officer got here to the conclusion that wrestlers and coaches gained’t come again to India.” The WFI had additionally utilized for visas for 9 of its coaches however solely six received the visas.
Out of 10 free model wrestlers, solely Aman (57kg) received the visa whereas functions of 9 others have been rejected. Curiously, three free model coaches wre granted visas.
Six Greco Roman wrestlers and from amongst ladies solely Ankush (50kg) and Mansi (59kg) may safe visas.
“Now how can we ship three coaches for one wrestler, so we’re sending Mr Jagmander Singh with Aman. Six Greco Roman wrestlers have already reached Spain and two ladies wrestlers left on Sunday,” mentioned Tomar.
“Our wrestlers are sturdy medal contenders, they’ve denied them the chance to shine on the large stage,” he added.
Mahabir Prasad, the chief of coach of Greco Roman squad, demanded a ban on Spain.
“That is actually humiliating. What do they consider Indian wrestlers and coaches? Why gained’t we depart the nation, we have been solely going to compete and I’ve been to Spain and USA no less than 5-6 occasions up to now,” fumed Mahabir, a Dronacharya awardee.
“Spain needs to be fined and banned. It has already created an enormous difficulty on the Championship. It’s a matter of disgrace for Spain as a rustic. Our wrestlers misplaced simply a possibility however Spain has misplaced face,” he mentioned.
Mahabir recounted how UWW had threatened WFI of ban if it have been to disclaim Pakistani wrestlers alternative to compete at Asian Championship in 2019.
“UWW had mentioned it will ban India if Pakistan have been to disclaim entry for Asian championship in New Delhi. Now that was at Asian stage and now that is on the world stage. We are going to see what UWW does now,” he mentioned.