India's participation in the FIDE World Junior Chess Championship is in doubt since some of the players have not yet received their visas to travel to Mexico City for the coveted competition, which starts on Wednesday. The players are reportedly slated to depart for the Mexican capital on Monday, but due to the delay, it is unclear whether or not they will be taking part in the international competition.
Players Vrashank Chouhan, Arun Kataria, Bhagyashree Patil, Prraneeth Vuppala, and Femil Chelladurai, as well as coaches Pravind Thipsay M and Kiran Agrawal, are among the seven members of the contingent that are impacted.
Speaking to the Press Trust of India, FIDE’s Advisory Board Chairman Bharat Singh Chauhan stated, “Despite all the best efforts and clearance from the Indian government, we are yet to receive the clearance from the Mexican embassy, which has resulted in the delay of visas being issued.”
Chauhan expressed his displeasure at the situation and said, “It is extremely frustrating since all the Indian players are looking forward to participating in the tournament, while the contingent is also one of the strong favourites to come out on top.”
Similar issues are being experienced by Nepalese chess players as well as the Indian contingent. Before their departure on Monday, the Nepalese athletes are in India awaiting their visas from the Mexican consulate in New Delhi.
