No job, no visa! WFI over blasts at US embassy after wrestlers refuse: ‘India lost gold medals’

ByTech Word News

WFI President Sanjay Singh India’s chances of winning medals at the 2026 World Under-23 Wrestling Championship 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 turned away because they were under 20 years old and did not have full-time jobs.Singh told IANS on Wednesday that the decision cost India potential gold medals, with at least two of the wrestlers considered strong contenders. He also pointed out that the problem had never occurred in the history of the tournament.“The US embassy has denied visas to nine Indian wrestlers on the grounds that they are unemployed. This has happened for the first time in history. Even the UWW president has written to them in this regard,” Singh said.“This visa denial is entirely the fault of the US Embassy and as a result India has lost gold medals. Among the nine wrestlers who were denied visas were at least two gold medal prospects. India has suffered a major loss of medals due to the fault of the US Embassy.”

Men’s freestyle cleared, others affected

All 10 members of the Indian men’s freestyle team have been cleared to travel to Las Vegas. However, a visa issue affected the Greco-Roman and women’s wrestling teams there, leaving nine wrestlers unable to compete.The championships began with Greco-Roman events from October 12-14, followed by women’s competition from October 14-16. The men’s freestyle events are scheduled for October 16-18.

Vishvajit More reaches historic final

Despite the setbacks, India have a chance to win the gold through Vishvajit Moreo, who reached the 55kg Greco-Roman final. He became the first Indian to reach the Greco-Roman final at the Under-23 World Championship in Las Vegas.More beat Mexico’s Isaac Marin Mata 10-8 before defeating World Under-20 champion Armin Shamsipour 8-1 before defeating Russia’s Malik Gigiev 7-4 in the semi-finals. The two-time World U-23 bronze medalist will now take on Georgia’s Koba Karumidz, who is aiming to become India’s first Greco-Roman gold medalist at the U-23 World Championships.