Affan Salman holding up Pakistani flag whereas celebrating his victory within the World Youth Scrabble Championship 2024. — Geo Tremendous/File
The Indian Excessive Fee has refused to situation visas to most Pakistani gamers, stopping the defending champions from taking part within the Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championship and Delhi Cup.
Regardless of submitting functions two months upfront, the Indian Excessive Fee has delayed processing, issuing some visas too late for gamers to attend, Pakistan Scrabble Affiliation (PSA) Director Tariq Pervez instructed state-run APP.
He stated half the staff was denied visas with out clarification, together with gamers who had beforehand participated and received in India in 2022.
As reigning World Youth Champions and defending Asian Youth titleholders, Pakistan’s absence is a big blow, he stated.
Pervez stated the staff had traveled to Lahore in anticipation of receiving visas however will now return to Karachi dissatisfied.
The championship organisers, who had obtained obligatory clearances, have been cooperative and guaranteed Pakistani gamers of visas. Nevertheless, the Indian Excessive Fee’s actions caught them off guard.
The scrabble affiliation expressed disappointment, citing India’s failure to uphold sporting spirit.
The Pakistan staff will now concentrate on upcoming worldwide competitions, hoping for a extra beneficial end result, he stated.
