4-5 Indian athletes still awaiting visas ahead of Asian Games camp in Japan

New Delhi: A few members of the 74-strong Indian athletics squad are still awaiting visa clearances for Japan, even as the majority of the team has already landed near Tokyo for a short pre-tournament acclimatisation camp ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

It is understood that around four to five athletes have not yet received their travel documents. However, Athletics Federation of India (AFI) officials remain optimistic about resolving the issue promptly and are likely to seek government intervention to expedite the process.

Athletics competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is scheduled to commence on September 23.

According to an official source, processing delays arose after VFS Global, the visa and passport outsourcing provider, required applications to be submitted specifically in the regions where the passports were originally issued.

"We are hoping that it will be sorted soon," the source said.

Given the time constraints, the affected athletes may face a shortened stay at the pre-games training setup, or they may skip the camp entirely and fly directly to Nagoya to link up with the main contingent.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Indian squad has arrived at the University of Tsukuba near Tokyo, where they are scheduled to train until September 20 before relocating to Nagoya two days prior to the start of track and field events. (PTI)