Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Secretary General Rajeev Mehta on Friday said the denial of US visas to the Indian youth archery team for the world championship was ‘unfortunate’ and sends across a very wrong message.
“This is extremely unfortunate, will send across a wrong message. It’s very surprising for us, Indian Olympic Association will extend all possible help,” Mehta told ANI.
The Indian contingent, consisting of under-20 junior male and female archers along with coaches, was scheduled to leave for the US tomorrow.
Though two of 32 team members already had visas, only 10 more were granted the visas.
Dejected archers said they were interviewed by officials at the embassy and told immediately that their visas would not be granted.
Meanwhile, Archery Association of India (AAI) president, V.K. Malhotra said that the reason for the denial of visas was humiliating and the team had been withdrawn from the championship.