Vinesh Phogat receives Schengen visa after sports ministry, MEA support
Despite facing issues with her Schengen visa arrival, renowned Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat is now travelling to Spain, with the required document coming in on Wednesday, July 3.
The 29-year-old is set to participate in the Grand Prix of Spain, which kicks off on July 5 in Madrid. Phogat originally had her flight scheduled for Wednesday night, but did not receive her visa till that morning.
As an immediate step, the World Championships bronze medallist decided to seek the help of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya; as well as the Ministry of External Affairs.
Phogat took to social media, asking for assitance with a post on X.
“Dear authorities, Im requesting for urgent help. I applied for my Schengen visa in Bangalore on 24th june. I have to leave tonight for a competition in Spain on 6th July but have no information on visa.
“Requesting @mansukhmandviya @BangaloreFrance @MEABharat to help,” her tweet read.
The next update from Phogat came after three hours. The issue had been resolved, and she put out another post on X confirming the arrival of her visa.
She thanked the authorities that helped her to get the document in quick time.
“I have just now received my Schengen visa. I would like to sincerely thank all the authorities who have helped me get the visa so quickly. Means a lot. Thank you @mansukhmandviya @BangaloreFrance @MEABharat @DGSAI, TOPS and MOC team,” she tweeted again.
Vinesh Phogat will now travel to Madrid, where she will wrestle in the Grand Prix pf Spaim. This tournament is a part of her preparation ahead of a big summer this year. After this stint in Spain, she will travel to France, where the focus will be on a 20-day training program to fuel her preparations for the Paris Olympics.
Historic qualification before visa issues: How Vinesh Phogat reached Paris Olympics
Vinesh Phogat is only the second Indian wrestler who has confirmed participation at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She is also the first Indian female wrestler to secure three qualifications at the Summer Olympics.
Phogat's Paris 2024 qualification came after the Asian Wrestling Olympic Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Participating in the women's 50kg category, Vinesh edged past Republic of Korea’s Miran Cheon, the Asian Championships bronze medallist. She won 10-0 via technical superiority in the qualifier.
The 29-year-old then beat Korea’s Miran Cheon 10-0 via technical superiority in the qualifier. In the semi-final, Phogat eased past Kazakhstan's Laura Ganikyzy, winning the bout 10-0 by technical superiority.
The first female wrestler to win a gold at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, Vinesh Phogat will now hope to secure her first Olympic medal at Paris 2024.
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