Denied Visa, SAI-MEA Help India’s U-20 Race Walker Reach Oman For World Championships

New Delhi: World Silver Medallist in World Athletics Race Walking Championships in the  U-20 category, Amit Khatri managed to reach Muscat, Oman in the nick of time for his event.

Amit was earlier unable to head to Oman after his travel request was denied by Omani authorities due to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. This is when Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stepped in and helped him.

“I got vaccinated just a few days before the competition and thus was not able to get permission to travel and participate in the world championship. Due to which I had lost all hope, and thought I would not be able to compete.” Amit said.

Officers in MEA reached out to the Ministry of Health of Oman and other authorities through Indian Embassy in Muscat and promptly facilitated his travel as he has now completed double vaccination. MEA also appointed a liaison officer at the Muscat Airport for support with Emigration.

“I am very thankful to the MEA, SAI, TOPS, and AFI for helping me out of this situation. Their timely intervention has helped me reach the competition in time and now I am more determined to give my best in the competition so I not only make the country but everyone who helped me out proud of my performance,” Amit went on to add.

Amit is set to compete in the 10km Race Walk event which scheduled to take place on the very first day of the championship. The championships are scheduled to  begin on March 4.

Amit, who is also SAI’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme’s (TOPS) athlete, had created history last year when he became the first Race Walker from India to win a medal at the U-20 World Championships.