Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Indian Wrestlers’ U23 Worlds Participation Threatened by US Visa Refusals
Several Indian wrestlers were refused visas to travel to the United States.
They were planning to compete at the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas.
The tournament is scheduled for October 12 to 18.
The Wrestling Federation of India said nine wrestlers were refused visas on Wednesday.
The wrestlers were reportedly told the decision was because they were under 20 and did not have jobs.
The federation says athletes in this age group may still be focused on their sports careers.
It has asked the US Embassy to reconsider the refusals.
It also wants visas for wrestlers whose appointments are scheduled for Thursday.
The Wrestling Federation of India said nine wrestlers were refused US visas on Wednesday.
The wrestlers were reportedly told they were refused because they were under 20 and unemployed.
The refusals could affect their participation in the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, October 12–18.
The WFI asked the US Embassy in New Delhi to reconsider the cases and grant visas to wrestlers with appointments Thursday.
The federation said the competition is for athletes aged 18 to 23, many of whom are still pursuing sport rather than formal employment.
- Who
- Nine Indian wrestlers, including Neha Sangwan, were reportedly refused visas; the Wrestling Federation of India has appealed.
- What
- The visa refusals have put the wrestlers’ participation in the U23 World Wrestling Championships in doubt.
- When
- The refusals were reported on Wednesday, October 7; the championship is scheduled for October 12–18.
- Where
- The visa interviews took place at the US Embassy in New Delhi; the championship is scheduled for Las Vegas.
- Why
- The wrestlers were reportedly told they were refused because they were under 20 and unemployed.
US Embassy’s reported grounds
WFI’s response
Age and employment status
US Embassy’s reported grounds
The wrestlers were reportedly told their visas were refused because they were under 20 and unemployed.
WFI’s response
The WFI said the event is for athletes aged 18 to 23 and that many young competitors are still pursuing sporting careers rather than formal employment.
Visa decisions
US Embassy’s reported grounds
Nine wrestlers were reportedly refused visas after Wednesday’s appointments.
WFI’s response
The WFI urged the US Embassy to reconsider the refused cases and grant visas to wrestlers scheduled for appointments Thursday.
- Wrestlers refused
- Nine, according to the Wrestling Federation of India
- Appointments on Wednesday
- 24 participants appeared, including 16 wrestlers
- Tournament
- U23 World Wrestling Championships
- Tournament dates
- October 12–18
- Tournament location
- Las Vegas
- Wrestlers’ age range
- The WFI said participants are between 18 and 23 years old
- WFI request
- Reconsider refused applications and grant visas to wrestlers with appointments on Thursday