• Due to visas not being granted to enter the US

The Sri Lanka National Carrom team is currently facing a major hindrance as they struggle to obtain their visas on time for the upcoming 6th Carrom World Cup, scheduled to take place from 10-17 November in San Francisco, California, and for no fault of theirs, The Daily Morning Sports learns.

Despite the hype surrounding the event, the defending Champions are currently forced to contend with unwarranted visa issues that could impact their participation at the upcoming event.

It has been reported in the local media that, out of the entire delegation, only two players and the team manager have obtained visas to enter the USA, while six important players have had their applications rejected. 

Sri Lanka has named a squad of eight players – four each in men and women – and a manager. The situation has been further compounded by the absence of a Sports Minister in the country, which has jeopardised the team’s chances to secure official support from the Ministry of Sports.

The rejection of the six players comes notwithstanding the official invitation letter forwarded by the United Stated Carrom Association (USCA), who are due to host the 6th World Cup as an affiliate of the International Carrom Federation. 

The Sri Lanka team includes top-ranked national players Mohamed Shaheed, Anas Ahamed, Nishantha Fernando, Kaveen Peiris, Tarushi Himanshika, Roshita Joseph, Tasmila Kavindi, and Hirushi Peiris, with Ranil Abeysinghe as the manager.

In the previous edition held in South Korea in 2018, the Lankan Men’s team had emerged victorious, clinching the World Cup Title, while the Women’s team finished as runners-up. 

Their participation in this year’s tournament is crucial to defend their title, and uphold their legacy on the global stage, informed sources said.

Sports analysts contend that sans official intervention from the Ministry of Sports, it will be difficult to resolve the festering visa issue and pave the way for local players to represent their country and bring glory to the motherland.

Efforts made to contact officials from the Carrom Federation of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Sports to seek their views on the visa issue proved futile as they were unreachable via the phone.

(JK)