Indian Wrestlers Denied U.S. Visas for U23 World Championships

Nine Indian wrestlers were denied U.S. visas on October 7, 2026, after attending interviews at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has requested that the embassy review these decisions. The reported reason for the visa refusals was that the athletes were “Below 20 and unemployed,” citing their age and lack of formal job status. This situation creates a significant challenge for the athletes hoping to compete in the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, which are scheduled to begin on October 12, 2026.

U.S. Visa Refusals Impact U23 World Wrestling Championships

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi denied visas to nine Indian wrestlers following interviews on October 7, 2026. A total of 16 wrestlers and eight support staff from India had attended interviews as part of the application process for the U23 World Wrestling Championships. The Wrestling Federation of India has formally asked the U.S. Embassy to reconsider the visa refusals. The athletes were verbally informed that their age and lack of formal employment were the reasons for their applications being rejected.

Athletes’ Age and Employment Status Questioned

The Wrestling Federation of India stated that the reported reason for the visa denials was “Below 20 and unemployed.” This explanation has raised concerns, as the athletes are participating in an under-23 competition, where participants are typically between 18 and 23 years old. Reports indicate that eight of the nine refused athletes were 20 years old or younger. The tenth case involved a wrestler who had only worked for Indian Railways for a short period and could not provide sufficient salary details. The WFI argues that these young athletes are pursuing professional sports careers and may not have conventional employment.

Tight Schedule for Wrestlers and Federation

The U23 World Wrestling Championships are set to take place in Las Vegas from October 12 to October 18, 2026. The first group of the Indian delegation was scheduled to depart on October 10, leaving very little time before the competition begins. The WFI had faced difficulties in securing interview appointments for the athletes, with the visa process starting on September 14. The federation is seeking urgent intervention from the U.S. Embassy to allow the refused athletes to travel if their visa applications are reconsidered and approved.

Federation’s Appeal for Reconsideration

The WFI has identified the nine wrestlers who were denied visas as Samarth Gajanan Mhakave, Dheeraj Kumar Malik, Sachin Kumar, Nikhil, Hardeep, Parveen, Ahilya Shatrughn Shinde, Neha Sharma, and Neha Sangwan. Neha Sangwan is noted as the 2024 U17 World Champion. In its letter to the embassy, the federation highlighted that 24 participants, including 16 wrestlers, attended interviews, and nine wrestlers were refused. The WFI is appealing for a review of these decisions, emphasizing that the athletes meet the criteria for an under-23 competition rather than an employment test. The remaining applicants were scheduled for interviews on October 8, with the first group’s departure planned for October 10.

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