Star Indian table tennis player Manika Batra, a veteran and medallist at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, tweeted that she, and fellow players Sathiyan, Harmeet Desai, and Diya Chitalett plus support staff, applied for visas immediately after competing in the China Smash tournament.
She had planned to depart on October 17 to allow time for practice in London, but the delay has pushed back her expected travel to the morning of October 19. With her first match scheduled for October 21, the wait is “disheartening,” she said, especially as “other players are already flying.”
She appealed to authorities, tagging the External Affairs Ministry and the British High Commission: the athletes are representing India in an international event, not holidaymakers.
Batra was quoted writing on X, "Me and my teammates @sathiyantt, @Harmeetdesai, and @Diyachitalett & support staff applied for our UK visas immediately after our China tournament to play in London at the WTT Star Contender London 2025.”
"I had planned to travel on 17 October to reach in time for practice but am now scheduled for 19th morning as there's been no update," she continued, tagging External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and British High Commission.
"As of today, our applications are still under review. My first match is on 21st October. Disheartening to see other players already flying' while we're stuck chasing updates instead of focusing on the tournament."
Stakes high, few options
The visa delay casts a shadow over India’s prospects in London. Batra and her teammates are counting on clearance to compete, but the uncertainty hampers their mental and physical preparation.
As of now, there’s no indication when they may receive approval. Decisions made in the next few hours may determine whether they travel or miss out entirely.