Pakistan wrestlers frustrated at visa delay

Commonwealth Championship starts next week in Australia.

KARACHI:

Pakistan wrestlers preparing for the Commonwealth Championship, scheduled to take place from August 6 in Melbourne, have been left disappointed at the delay in the issuance of visas.

The Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) chose seven players to represent the country in the Greco-Roman and freestyle events, for which the wrestlers have been preparing at the camp in Islamabad.

However, the PWF Secretary Muhammad Asghar revealed that the federation was still waiting for the visas to come from the Australian consulate.

Usman Majeed, who was preparing to compete in the 120-kilogramme event, admitted that it will be devastating if the squad failed to participate in the tournament due to visa issues.

“If we don’t get the visas in a day or so, we won’t be able to go,” Majeed told The Express Tribune. “It’s a blow for us because we had a good chance of winning medals in the championships. I really hope we’re able to go.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2011.