Archive · 7 Oct 2026
U.S. Denies Visas to Indian Wrestlers for Las Vegas Championships
Indian wrestlers were applying for visas to travel to a world championship in Las Vegas.
The Wrestling Federation of India said 24 people went to visa appointments, including 16 wrestlers.
It said nine wrestlers were refused visas.
According to the federation, the refusals were reportedly related to their jobs and ages.
Many of the athletes are under 20 and are focused on sports rather than formal employment.
The federation worried that other wrestlers with appointments the next day might also be affected.
The article does not say whether those later applicants received visas.
The Wrestling Federation of India said 24 people attended visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy.
Sixteen of the applicants were wrestlers, and nine were refused visas, according to the federation.
The federation said the refusals were reportedly linked to applicants’ employment status and age.
It said many of the young athletes were under 20 and not formally employed while pursuing sports careers.
The federation expressed concern about wrestlers scheduled for visa appointments the following day.
- Who
- The Wrestling Federation of India said nine Indian wrestlers were refused visas.
- What
- Visa applications for Indian wrestlers seeking to attend the U23 World Championships were refused.
- When
- At visa appointments held on the day described in the report; further appointments were scheduled for the next day.
- Where
- The appointments were at the U.S. Embassy; the championships were to be held in Las Vegas.
- Why
- The federation said the refusals were reportedly due to employment status and the applicants being under 20.
- Visa appointments attended
- 24 people
- Wrestlers among attendees
- 16
- Wrestlers refused visas
- 9, according to the Wrestling Federation of India
- Reported reasons
- Employment status and being under 20 years old
- Championship location
- Las Vegas
- Source cited
- The Wrestling Federation of India, as reported by PTI