The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday refuted the reports of visa denials to Pakistani scrabble players for the Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championship in New Delhi. The MEA has said that 12 Pakistan players were issued visas well in advance for the tournament that was slated to take place from November 10 to 12.
"We have seen media reports on the denial of visas to Pakistani players for the ongoing Scrabble tournament in India. These reports are factually incorrect. 12 visas were issued to the Pakistani team on 07.11.2024, well in time for them to travel to India for these events. This included the defending champion of the Asia Cup and the reigning World Youth Champion," the MEA said.
Notably, reports had surfaced earlier of the denial of visas by the Indian High Commission to the most Pakistani scrabble players for the Asian Youth Championship and the Delhi Cup. Pakistan Scrabble Association (PSA) Director Tariq Perez had opened up on the matter. "Despite submitting applications two months in advance, the Indian High Commission has delayed processing, issuing some visas too late for players to attend," Perez had told APP. He said that half of the players were denied visas without any explanation. This also includes players who have previously participated in the tournament and won it last year.
"As reigning World Youth Champions and defending Asian Youth titleholders, Pakistan’s absence is a significant blow," Perez added. He also stated that the Pakistan players went to Lahore and were expected visas but would now make their way back to Karachi.
The Asia Cup Youth Scrabble Championship is a tournament which is being held in New Delhi from November 10-12. It has two divisions - Cup and Plate. Players born on or after January 1, 2007 can play in this tournament. Cash prizes and trophies will be given to the top 10 players in the Cup and the top 5 players in the Plate Division.
The age category prizes will be given to the top two in the U16, U14, U12, U10, and U8 age in the Cup division.
