Asian Athletics: Pakistan denies getting visas as claimed by AFI

Bhubaneswar: Contrary to the Athletic Federation of India claims that Pakistan team’s visa has been cleared for participation in the ensuing 22^nd Asian Athletics Championship, the Pakistan Athletics Federation denied getting any confirmation on visas yet from India. The Championship will begin at Kalinga Stadium here from July 5.

President of the Pakistan Athletics Federation, Akram Sahi has said, “We are trying to contact Indian Embassy because today is the last working day and the Embassy will be closed on the weekend. So if the visas are not endorsed today it will not be possible for us to make it for the event.”

On Thursday, in an exclusive interview to OTV, Sahi had attributed the uncertainty over participation in the mega event owing to problems in getting visas. He also mentioned that their Athletes are well prepared and keen to participate in the championship.

Following this, earlier today Secretary of Athletics Federation of India VK Walson had claimed that the issues related to the visa of Pakistani athletes have been resolved.

“We have 44 countries participating in the games. Earlier, we had problems regarding visas but thanks to the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) for helping us getting all the visas for all the countries, including Pakistan. The Home Ministry has cleared the visas of Pakistan contingent,” said Walson.

Also Read: Asian Athletics Championship 2017: Kalinga stadium gets IAAF nod

“The visa of Pakistan contingent has been resolved after the CM wrote to Home Ministry about the issue. We are waiting to welcome the team,” said Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera.