Monday, September 16, 2024 The Sri Lanka ‘s National Carrom team is facing a major obstacle for visa issues in their preparation for the upcoming 6th Carrom World Cup, scheduled to take place from November 10 to 17 in San Francisco, California. Despite being the reigning champions, the team’s participation is now in jeopardy due to visa delays. As per the latest updates, only two players and the team manager have secured visas to enter the United States.
Six key members of the team, including national top-ranked players, have had their visa applications rejected. This setback comes despite the official invitation letter from the United States Carrom Association (USCA), the host of the event. The absence of a sports minister in Sri Lanka has further complicated the situation, hindering the team’s efforts to secure official support from the Ministry of Sports.
The rejection of visas for the six players has raised concerns about the team’s ability to defend their title and maintain Sri Lanka’s reputation in international carrom. The Sri Lankan Carrom Federation is now actively working to address the visa issues and ensure the team’s participation in the World Cup. They are seeking assistance from the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to expedite the visa process.
The World Cup holds significant importance for Sri Lanka, as the men’s team clinched the title in the previous edition held in South Korea in 2018. Their participation is cru.