Bajrang punia atlast recives his UK VISA

NEW DELHI: Bajrang Punia’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games may now take flight. The bronze medalist from the Tokyo Olympics acquired his UK passport after much delay in order to travel to Birmingham for the Games, which are planned from July 28 to August 8. Bajrang, who would be flying to the US for practice at the Michigan University before the CWG, had received his visa for the US early last month. However, his UK visa was delayed in at least 10 days, preventing him from departing for his 35-day training stint in the United States. He will travel directly to Birmingham from his training location.

Bajrang reacted angrily to the delay at the CWG-bound Indian contingent’s kit reveal and send-off ceremony here on Friday, blaming the country’s sports authorities for not doing enough to expedite his UK visa.

On Saturday, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) stated that the sport ministry, through to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), got in contact with the British High Commission to request UK visa for Bajrang, which has now been acquired.

“Bajrang and wrestler Deepak Punia will train in the United States till July 30, after which both will depart for the CWG,” the SAI statement added. It has been revealed that Bajrang’s physiotherapist, Dr Anand, might be welcomed as ‘extra official’ in the Indian contingent.