India's ace badminton player Lakshya Sen—ranked 17th globally and a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist—has requested Indian government seeking prompt resolution of visa complications that threaten his participation in forthcoming prestigious badminton tournaments.
Lakshya's plea comes amid preparations for two major events in the badminton circuit—the Japan and China Opens—where his presence is highly anticipated. Despite applying for a Japanese visa on October 30, 2023, he and his team are yet to receive confirmation, putting their travel plans in jeopardy.
The young shuttler took to X (formerly known as Twitter), expressing his concerns directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, and Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. His message, underscoring the urgency of the situation, read:
"I have to travel to Japan & China Open on Sat. Me and my team applied for a Japan visa on 30/10/23. We still haven't got the visa. I have to apply for a China visa as well. Urgent request for visa for myself, my coach and physio. Please help @ianuragthakur Sir @PMOIndia @meaindia1," Lakshya posted on X.
The situation is time-sensitive, given that the China Masters is set to commence on November 21, 2023, in Shenzhen—a tournament that is integral to the international badminton schedule and player rankings.
Sen's participation is not just about personal achievement but also national pride. As a key member of the historic Indian men's badminton team at the Asian Games, Lakshya has helped elevate India's status in the sport. However, his last outing at the French Open 2023 ended in disappointment, with the shuttler succumbing to France's Arnaud Merkle, who is ranked 44th worldwide, in straight games 21-15, 21-18 over 54 minutes of play.
The forthcoming Japan and China Masters are seen as opportunities for Sen to bounce back and showcase his talent on the international stage. These tournaments are crucial for athletes like Sen, not only for the international experience they offer but also for the vital ranking points at stake, which affect qualification and seeding in future competitions.
The Indian badminton community, along with Lakshya Sen's fans, are rallying behind the star, hoping for a swift resolution to his visa issues. The ability to compete internationally is a cornerstone of any athlete's career, and for Lakshya Sen, the upcoming Asia tour is a stepping stone towards furthering his already illustrious journey in badminton. The intervention of the Indian government in facilitating the necessary travel documents would be a testament to their support for the country's sporting talents on a global platform.
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