Eight Indian athletes face visa delays for 2026 Asian Games

Just as the 2026 Asian Games draw near, a contingent of Indian athletes finds themselves stranded in New Delhi, awaiting visa clearance to join their teammates in Japan. Eight athletes and two coaches face this setback, including high jumper Supriya B and pole vaulter Sindhushree G, who are among those whose applications for travel permits remain unsecured.

The group also comprises hammer thrower Praveen Kumar, 200m runner Harita Bhadra, quarter-mile sprinter Kiran Pahal, heptathlete Anamika KA, and triple jumper Asha Ilango. These athletes were added to the Asian Games roster after showcasing formidable performances at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships held in Bhubaneswar back in June.

Sindhushree G, in particular, made headlines as one of the late entrants, having set a new national record in the pole vault. The inclusion of these athletes followed a separate process for their accreditation paperwork, which has only recently been finalized. The delay in securing their visas is primarily attributed to this paperwork, which still remains pending.

Despite multiple visits to the visa office over the past ten days, the athletes have yet to receive their travel clearance. The situation is further complicated by the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi holiday, which may add to the timeline delays. The athletes were initially scheduled to attend a preparatory camp at Tsukuba University before the Games, but the delay threatens to rob them of valuable preparation time.

With the Asian Games set to open in Aichi-Nagoya on September 19, the affected athletes are growing increasingly anxious about falling behind. For now, officials are cautiously optimistic that the visas will be issued soon, but the uncertainty surrounding the situation persists.