21 Indian wrestlers to miss World Championship after Spain rejects visa “on suspicion they will not leave”

New Delhi: In a bizarre decision, the Spanish embassy has denied visas to 21 Indian wrestlers who were to participate in the Under-23 World Championships in Pontevedra on suspicion that they would not leave the arena before the expiry of their visas. . the national federation said on Monday.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had shortlisted a 30-man squad for the championship that began on Monday, but only nine were granted visas.

Last Panghal, India’s first U-20 women’s world champion, was among the wrestlers who missed out on participating.

Vinod Tomar, Assistant Secretary, WFI, said, “This is something we have never faced before. Despite the approval of the Government of India and the invitation of the world governing body UWW, our wrestlers were denied visas on the most frivolous grounds Is.”

“We have received rejection letters this evening (Monday) when we requested for issuance of passports at the earliest. It is really bizarre. I really don’t know how the officials came to the conclusion that the wrestler and the coach won. Don’t come back to India.”

WFI had also applied for visas for nine of its coaches, but only six got visas.

Of the 10 freestyle wrestlers, only Aman (57kg) got visas while the applications of nine others were rejected. Interestingly, three freestyle coaches were given visas.

Of the six Greco-Roman wrestlers and women, only Ankush (50kg) and Manasi (59kg) could get the visa.

Tomar said, “Now how can we send three coaches for one wrestler, so we are sending Mr. Jagmandar Singh with peace. Six Greco-Roman wrestlers have already reached Spain and two women wrestlers left on Sunday. Huh.”

“Our wrestlers are strong contenders for medals, they didn’t give them a chance to shine on the big stage,” he said.

The head coach of the Greco-Roman team, Mahabir Prasad, demanded a ban on Spain.

“It’s really insulting. What do they think of Indian wrestlers and coaches? Why won’t we leave the country, we were only going to compete and I have been to Spain and USA at least 5-6 times in the past. ” Dronacharya Award winner Mahabir got angry.

He said, “Spain should be fined and banned. It has already made a big issue in the championship. It is a shame for Spain as a country. Our wrestlers just missed one chance.” But Spain lost.”

Mahabir narrated how the UWW had threatened to ban WFI if it denies Pakistani wrestlers the opportunity to compete in the Asian Championships in 2019.

He said, “UWW had said that if Pakistan refuses entry for the Asian Championships in New Delhi it will ban India. Now that was at the Asian level and now it is at the world level. We will see what UWW does now. does.”

Originally published at Pen 18