Visa Roadblock Hits Nine Indian Wrestlers as More Clinches Silver in Las Vegas

The Indian wrestling contingent faced a major administrative setback before the under‑23 World Championships in Las Vegas. Nine wrestlers, including both Greco‑Roman and women's freestyle participants, were denied U.S. visas because they were under 20 years old and did not have full‑time employment.

Wrestling Federation of India chief Sanjay Singh told reporters that the visa rejections were unprecedented and directly impacted India's medal chances. He noted that at least two of the denied athletes were strong gold‑medal contenders, and the absence of the full squad reduced India's chances of a podium finish.

Despite the visa problem, Vishwajeet More advanced to the final of the 55 kg Greco‑Roman category and secured a silver medal, becoming the first Indian to win silver in this discipline at the U‑23 level. Singh criticized the U.S. embassy's decision, calling it a mistake that cost India potential gold medals.