No jobs, no visas! WFI prez blasts US embassy: 'India lost out on gold medals'
The Wrestling Federation of India president criticized the US Embassy for denying visas to nine Indian wrestlers, citing their unemployment status. This decision prevented several medal contenders from competing in the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas.
Why it matters
Highlights diplomatic and administrative hurdles affecting international sports participation and athlete mobility.
India’s chances of winning medals at the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2026 in Las Vegas have been affected after nine Indian wrestlers were denied US visas.Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh blamed the US Embassy, saying the wrestlers were rejected because they were under 20 and did not have full-time jobs.Speaking to IANS on Wednesday, Singh said the decision had cost India potential gold medals, with at least two of the wrestlers considered strong contenders. He also pointed out that the issue had never occurred in the tournament’s history."The US Embassy rejected the visas of nine Indian wrestlers on the grounds that they are unemployed. For the first time in history this has happened. Even the UWW president wrote to them regarding the matter," Singh said."This visa refusal is entirely the US Embassy's fault, and as a result, India lost out on gold medals.
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