ADVERTISEMENTs
.png)
Indian chess prodigy Arjun Erigaisi faces US visa delay
The delay could threaten his participation in the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2024.
.jpg)
Arjun Erigaisi / X/@ArjunErigaisi
Indian chess grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, ranked number four in the world, is facing visa delays that could threaten his participation in the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2024. The tournament, scheduled to begin on Dec. 26 in New York City, is a key event in the chess calendar, attracting top players from around the world.
Erigaisi, who made history earlier this year by becoming only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to reach a 2800 rating, submitted his passport to the US Embassy in India for visa stamping last week. However, as of Dec. 20, he has not received it back.
While the exact reason for the delay hasn't been disclosed, such issues can arise from various factors, including administrative backlogs, security checks, or additional documentation requirements.
. @USAndIndia Last week I submitted my passport to you for visa stamping and it still has not been returned. I request you to please expedite the process and return my passport as soon as possible as I need it for my travel to New York for World Rapid & Blitz Championship
— Arjun Erigaisi (@ArjunErigaisi) December 20, 2024
If…
Visa processing times can vary, and even with early applications, delays are not uncommon, especially for high-demand events like the World Rapid and Blitz Championships. Erigaisi has publicly appealed to the US Embassy to expedite the process, stating, "I request you to please expedite the process and return my passport as soon as possible, as I need it for my travel to New York."
In his X post, Erigaisi tagged the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; Dr. S. Jaishankar; the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour and Employment; Youth Affairs and Sports, and the All India Chess Federation, seeking their help and response regarding his visa issue.
The World Rapid and Blitz Championships will take place at Wall Street’s Cipriani venue, marking the first time the event will be held in the United States. The competition features a knockout component in the blitz format and offers a combined prize fund of nearly US$1.5 million. Top players like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura are expected to participate.
Erigaisi’s participation is crucial as he is one of the leading Indian grandmasters in the competition, alongside players like Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, world chess champion Gukesh Dommaraju, and Vidit Gujrathi. Representing India, Erigaisi aims to showcase his speed chess skills against a star-studded lineup.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login