New Delhi: The International Volleyball Federation has raised serious concerns over India’s ability to host international sporting events, warning that visa-related issues faced by athletes could erode global confidence in the country as a reliable destination.
In a letter addressed to PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the world governing body flagged multiple problems linked to the recent Beach Pro Tour event held in Bhubaneswar. The communication, dated March 18 and also marked to the Sports Ministry, highlighted concerns over athletes allegedly being denied visas despite repeated applications.
Visa delays raise red flags
According to the FIVB, several international participants were unable to compete after facing visa rejections, which it described as a serious setback for the tournament and for India’s credibility as a host nation.
While the federation did not specify the nationalities involved, it stressed that ensuring timely and professional visa processing is “critical” for hosting international competitions.
The issue appears to be compounded by confusion over visa categories, with some athletes reportedly applying under incorrect visa types in previous editions of the event, further complicating approvals this year.
An IOA official confirmed that a response has been sent to the FIVB seeking detailed documentation to better understand the issue. “We are studying the matter and are in contact with the federation,” the official said.
Unpaid dues add to concerns
In addition to visa-related problems, the FIVB also flagged pending payments linked to earlier events hosted in India.
The federation has claimed that dues amounting to $335,000 (approximately ₹3.13 crore) remain unpaid for Pro Tour events held in Goa (2023) and Chennai (2024).
Steve Tutton, General Sports Director of the FIVB, noted that repeated follow-ups and assurances from organisers have not resulted in settlement of the outstanding hosting and licence fees.
The events were organised under an agreement with a Chennai-based entity, and communications were reportedly sent to officials including Ravikanth Reddy and administrator Martin Sudhakar.
Responding to the allegations, Reddy attributed the delay to governance issues within the Volleyball Federation of India and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved amicably.
Impact on India’s Olympic ambitions
The warning from the FIVB comes at a time when India is actively positioning itself as a global sporting hub, including its bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
The federation cautioned that incidents such as visa denials and unresolved financial obligations could undermine trust among international federations, partners, and stakeholders.
India has previously faced scrutiny from the International Olympic Committee over visa-related issues affecting foreign athletes, making the current concerns particularly sensitive.
Call for government intervention
The FIVB has urged the IOA to escalate the matter to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and other relevant authorities to ensure corrective measures are taken.
It emphasised that providing clear assurances to international athletes regarding visa access is essential for the long-term development of the sport and for maintaining India’s reputation as a host nation.
Conclusion
The twin challenges of visa delays and pending dues have put India’s sports administration under the spotlight. While authorities have begun engaging with stakeholders to address the concerns, the episode highlights the importance of streamlined processes and accountability.
As India aims to host more global events, resolving such issues promptly will be crucial to sustaining confidence among international sporting bodies and ensuring smooth participation for athletes worldwide.