- Sunday, April 28, 2024
Olympic gold-medalist Chopra said the news of fellow athlete Kishore Jena’s visa issues preventing his entry into Hungary for the championships is disheartening.
By: Shubham Ghosh
ACE Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra on Thursday (17) called upon the country’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar requesting him to intervene in the visa predicament faced by fellow athlete Kishore Kumar Jena as it has put his participation in the imminent World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, from August 19 to 27, in a quandary.
Later in the day, the Athletics Federation of India said in a post on X (formerly called Twitter) that Jena got an appointment at the embassy of Hungary on Friday (18) morning at 9 am local time. The visa of the athlete from the eastern state of Odisha was cancelled by the embassy for unknown reason on Wednesday (16), making him a doubtful starter in the prestigious event.
Thanks to all.
Javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena has appointment at Hungary embassy tomorrow at 9am.@Media_SAI. @YASMinistry @Neeraj_chopra1 @Adille1 @WorldAthletics— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) August 17, 2023
Earlier in the day, Chopra, who won gold in javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, tweeted that news of Jena’s visa issues preventing his entry into Hungary for the championships is disheartening. The 25-year-old emphasised the importance of this event for Jena’s career and urged relevant authorities, including Jaishankar and his ministry, to find a solution.
Just heard that there are issues with Kishore Jena’s VISA, preventing him from entering Hungary for the World C’ships. I hope the authorities are able to find a solution, as this is one of the biggest moments of his career. Let’s do everything we can. 🙏@MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) August 17, 2023
“Just heard that there are issues with Kishore Jena’s VISA, preventing him from entering Hungary for the World C’ships. I hope the authorities are able to find a solution, as this is one of the biggest moments of his career. Let’s do everything we can.@MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar,” he said in a post on X.
Jena is an emerging javelin thrower and currently ranks 33rd globally. He showcased his potential by securing a gold medal at the 101st Sri Lankan Championships with a personal best throw of 84.38 meters in July.
India has assembled a formidable 28-member delegation for the World Athletics Championships, led by Chopra himself.
Other notable Indian participants include long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, hurdler Jyothi Yarraji and steeplechaser Avinash Sable.
Shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was compelled to withdraw due to a groin injury sustained during the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok last month, which he had won with a throw of 20.23 meters. This setback marks Toor’s second consecutive absence from the World Championships due to injury.
(With agency inputs)
