The United States has declined visa applications for nine Indian wrestlers ahead of the U23 World Wrestling Championships scheduled in Las Vegas. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) reported that the refusal was allegedly due to the wrestlers being under 20 years of age and lacking formal employment. These athletes were informed of their visa status during their appointments at the US Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, when their passports were returned after the interviews.

Notable Athletes Affected

Among those whose visa applications were denied is Neha Sangwan, a renowned athlete who holds the title of 2024 U17 World Champion. The WFI has formally requested the US Embassy to reassess the cases of these athletes, expressing particular concern for those scheduled to appear for visa appointments on the following Thursday.

A total of 24 individuals from the Indian contingent attended their visa appointments, which included 16 wrestlers, yet only nine received visas. The WFI’s communication highlighted that the participants were informed of the visa refusals, which were attributed to employment status and age. Despite the event, which caters to wrestlers aged 18 to 23, many young athletes remain at the initial stages of their careers, affecting their eligibility for formal employment.

The federation’s letter to the US Embassy stated, “Today, 24 participants appeared at the Embassy for their visa appointments, out of which 16 were wrestlers. Unfortunately, 09 wrestlers were refused visas, reportedly due to their employment status and being below 20 years of age.” This reflects a growing concern over the future participation of the Indian team.

WFI Requests Clarification

The WFI has formally sought clarification from the US Embassy regarding the refusal of visas for the young wrestlers. It pointed out that many of these athletes are not formally employed as they are still pursuing competitive wrestling careers. The federation emphasised the need for reconsideration of their applications, stating, “Accordingly, many of these young athletes are understandably still pursuing their sporting careers and are not formally employed.”

This highlights a significant aspect of the challenges faced by young athletes in similar situations. The nine wrestlers named in the WFI’s letter include Samarth Gajanan Mhakave, Dheeraj Kumar Malik, Sachin Kumar, Nikhil, Hardeep, Parveen, Ahilya Shatrughn Shinde, Neha Sharma, and Neha Sangwan. The federation’s concerns extend to the wrestlers who are yet to attend their visa appointments, calling for urgent attention to their cases, especially those who are also under 20 and currently unemployed.

The WFI expressed that it is “deeply concerned” about the remaining team members scheduled for visa appointments on Thursday. The federation underscored the pressing need for timely intervention, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the remaining wrestlers who are scheduled to appear for their visa appointments tomorrow, as most of them are also currently unemployed and under 20 years of age.” This situation adds further apprehension regarding the team’s overall participation in the upcoming championships.

Impact on India’s Participation

The visa refusals have cast doubt over India’s involvement in the U23 World Wrestling Championships, which take place from October 12 to 18. The Wrestling Federation of India is now actively hopeful that the US Embassy will review the applications of the affected wrestlers. The situation has prompted an urgent call for action, with the federation aiming to secure travel permissions for the wrestlers to ensure their participation in this prestigious event.

The U23 World Wrestling Championships are significant for young athletes, providing them with international exposure and competitive experience. The denial of visas not only affects the individuals but also has broader implications for India’s representation in international wrestling. The WFI continues to await a response from the US Embassy, with the expectation of a reconsideration that would enable the Indian wrestlers to compete in Las Vegas.

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