World C'ship-bound junior cyclists' visa applications rejected

New Delhi: The visa applications of four World Championship-bound junior Indian cyclists, along with two support staff members, have been rejected by Switzerland, a situation described as nothing new by the federation, which is hopeful of a resolution. The showpiece is scheduled to be held in Aigle from August 15 to 19. The applications of cyclists Bilal Ahmad Dar, Gurpreet Singh, Naman Kapil and Venkappa Shivappa, along with those of coach Amar Singh and mechanic Manoj Sahu were rejected on July 20 by Swiss Embassy.

The three reasons given for the rejection are: (i) justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not provided; (ii) the information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable and (iii) your intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa could not be ascertained. Agencies