India’s preparations for the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2026 have faced a visa-related challenge after several wrestlers reportedly were refused US visas. Nine of the 16 Indian wrestlers who attended visa interviews at the US Embassy in New Delhi were denied visas ahead of the tournament in Las Vegas.

What Happened During the US Visa Interviews?

A group of 16 Indian wrestlers and eight support staff attended visa interviews at the US Embassy in New Delhi. According to reports, nine wrestlers were refused visas. Eight of the affected wrestlers were reportedly aged 20 or younger. WFI officials expressed disappointment over the development and contacted the US Embassy about the issue. Another group of Indian wrestlers and support staff was also scheduled to attend visa interviews, increasing concerns about whether India would be able to send its complete team to Las Vegas.

Why Were Indian Wrestlers Reportedly Denied US Visas?

According to the Wrestling Federation of India, the age and employment status of some wrestlers were reportedly factors during their visa interviews. Many wrestlers competing in age-group championships are young athletes who train full-time and may not yet have regular employment. WFI said some wrestlers aged 20 or younger were reportedly questioned about their employment situation.

In another case, a woman wrestler who had recently joined Indian Railways was reportedly asked to provide salary and bank details. She was unable to provide the requested information during the process and was refused a visa. However, these reasons have been reported by WFI officials. They should not be treated as a general rule that young or unemployed applicants automatically face a US visa refusal.

Who Can Compete at the U23 World Wrestling Championships?

The U23 World Wrestling Championships feature top young wrestlers from around the world. The competition includes athletes across three major categories:

• Men’s freestyle wrestling
• Greco-Roman wrestling
• Women’s wrestling

India has selected a total of 30 wrestlers, with athletes expected to compete across the three categories.

When Are the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2026?

The U23 World Wrestling Championships 2026 are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, USA, from October 12 to 18. The international event is organized under the governance of United World Wrestling and brings together U23 wrestlers from countries around the world.

For Indian wrestlers, the tournament provides an important opportunity to compete internationally and gain experience at the global level. The current US visa challenges facing Indian wrestlers could therefore have a direct impact on India’s participation in the tournament.

Can the Wrestlers’ US Visa Decisions Be Reviewed?

WFI is seeking support for the affected wrestlers and has raised the matter with the US Embassy, United World Wrestling, and USA Wrestling. UWW president Nenad Lalovic said he would speak to USA Wrestling and request that it discuss the matter with the US Embassy in New Delhi. USA Wrestling also contacted WFI about the issue.

However, a tournament invitation or federation request does not guarantee approval. US visa decisions are made by consular officers, who assess applicants under applicable US immigration law and visa requirements. It is therefore not yet certain whether the nine affected wrestlers will eventually receive visas in time for the championship.

Could Visa Issues Affect India’s U23 Worlds Campaign?

India has selected a 30-member wrestling contingent for the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2026, but visa approvals will play an important role in determining how many wrestlers can travel to Las Vegas. A timely resolution would allow the affected athletes to focus fully on their preparations and competition.

India’s U23 wrestlers will hope for timely visa approvals so they can focus on competing at the 2026 World Championships in Las Vegas. Travelers planning a trip to the US can explore Indian Eagle deals for suitable travel options.

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