Visa Delays Disrupt Indian Boxers’ Training Camp Ahead of World Championships

The Indian boxing contingent’s crucial preparation for the upcoming World Championships has hit a major roadblock, as visa-related issues have disrupted their planned training camp in Sheffield, UK. With the event in Liverpool just weeks away, concerns are mounting over whether the full squad will get adequate exposure ahead of the global event.

The boxers were scheduled to leave for the UK on Sunday to participate in a multinational training camp in Sheffield — a key preparatory event running from August 17 to September 1. However, only 12 members of the 31-member squad, including four women boxers and a handful of coaching staff, have managed to reach the UK so far due to delays in visa processing.

“Yes, the three of us have reached here, but all the (male) boxers are still waiting for their visas,” men’s head coach Dharmendra Yadav confirmed. “We had to start sparring in the multinational camp from Wednesday, but we cancelled it as we don’t know when the visa will arrive and when the boxers will be able to reach here.”

The camp, based at the renowned Great Britain Boxing headquarters, features top teams from countries including Ireland, France, Germany, Uzbekistan, the USA, and Poland. It is considered a vital build-up to the World Championships in Liverpool, set to take place from September 4 to 14 under the newly formed World Boxing governing body.

Among those who have already arrived in Sheffield are two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, Minakshi, Pooja Rani, and Nupur Sheoran. Meanwhile, prominent names like Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain, Asian Games bronze winner Narender Berwal, and Jaismine Lamboria remain in Patiala, awaiting clearance.

The Interim Committee managing the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) stated that it is “in constant touch” with the Indian Embassy in the UK, the Sports Ministry, and the Sports Authority of India. However, efforts have been hampered by the mostly automated nature of the visa processing system.

“On our part, all logistical arrangements are ready,” said committee member Col Arun Malik. “We remain hopeful that the pending cases will be resolved soon, enabling the entire team to join the camp at the earliest.”

Women’s head coach D. Chandralal, who received his visa but chose to remain in India for the BFI elections on August 21, confirmed he has already shared a training plan with the coaches currently in Sheffield. “They have some sparring sessions scheduled. After the elections, I’ll stay with the rest of the boxers,” he said.

With time ticking and valuable training days lost, the clock is now firmly against the Indian team in its bid to prepare comprehensively for one of boxing’s most significant events.