U.S. visa delay threatens chess GM Arjun Erigaisi’s participation in NY event

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Indian chess grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi is facing a U.S. visa delay, ahead of an important tournament that will determine his future.

The 21 year-old took to X to highlight the issue, while urging authorities to take action.

“. @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 🙏. If anyone can help me with this please DM. @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @IndiaSports @mansukhmandviya @aicfchess,” Arjun’s tweet read.

The World Rapid and Blitz Championship will be held in New York from December 26 to 31.

World’s number one ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is expected to participate in the tournament.

Several players from India, including Erigaisi and chess star R Praggnanandhaa, will take part.

India has had a great run in chess in 2024. Earlier in December, Indian grandmaster D Gukesh became the youngest player in the world to win the World Chess Championship.

Gukesh also became the second player after V Anand to win the world title.

Anand, India’s first grandmaster, received company after Erigaisi breached the 2,800 rating points on December 1, becoming only the second Indian to do so.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/vishy64theking)