India's visa denial sidelines Pakistan from Asian Youth Scrabble Championship

Most key players from Pakistan's scrabble team were unable to secure visas to India, preventing the team from defending its title at the Asian Youth Scrabble Championship.

According to the Pakistan Scrabble Association, visas were issued to only six out of 20 players, and even these were granted just a day before the event’s start. 

Notably, World Youth Champion Ali Salman was also denied a visa.

Pakistan won the Asian Youth Scrabble Championship in 2022. However, the 2024 edition, which began in Delhi on November 10th, saw Pakistan unable to defend its title due to visa restrictions.

Director of Pakistan Youth Scrabble, Tariq Pervez, told the media that Pakistani players had applied for visas two months before the event. 

However, he alleged that the Indian High Commission deliberately delayed the visa process. 

Pakistan had requested visas for 20 players and five officials, but only a handful were issued on the eve of the tournament.

Tariq Pervez also mentioned that while some officials and family members of players received visas, key team members were left out, including Ali Salman and Bilal Arshad.