Canadian visa for Kerala arm wrestlers rejected

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 23 (IANS) Hopes of taking part in the World Championships appear to have dashed for three Kerala arm wrestlers, whose visa applications were rejected last week by the Canadian Embassy in Delhi.

The three arm wrestlers are part of the 13 member Indian team and were looking at participating in the 30th World Championship, to be held in Canada next week.

The three members - Shibu S. Ravi, a porter, Shoukat V.T., an autorickshaw driver and Sajish P.V., a private firm's employee - raised Rs.200,000 each from various sponsors.

'It was indeed a dream come true for us because it was after lot of pains that we managed to find funds. Now it's being said that they have been denied visa on the grounds that they might not return. What can they do in Canada, when all their people are here? I am really disappointed, really sad,' Mukund Kumar, coach of Ravi and Sajish, told IANS.

Meanwhile, the team members sought support from State Sports Minister M. Vijayakumar.

'He has assured us that he will get in touch with the Centre and see if something can be done. The office bearers of the game's federation in the country are also doing their best to see if the matter can be sorted out. We are all eagerly waiting for the things to turn our way,' Mukund Kumar said.