India has been denied entry into the ITF World Junior Finals because it is deemed an “extreme risk” country

The Czech Republic’s embassy in Washington has refused to issue the players visas.

The Indian team has been denied access to the next ITF World Junior Tennis Finals in Prostejov due to India’s status as a COVID-designated “extreme risk” country.

The Czech Republic’s embassy in Washington has refused to issue the players visas. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) announced earlier this month that Rethin Pranav RS, Kriish Ajay Tyagi, and Tejas Ahuja will represent India in the prestigious competition, which will be contested from August 2 to 7.

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On July 17, the AITA petitioned the Sports Ministry, requesting involvement, and on July 19, the SAI approached the External Affairs Ministry. However, the issue remained unresolved.

“It’s unfortunate. The boys needed exposure. If they had to deny us visas, why did the ITF enter our team in the tournament,” AITA Secretary General Anil Dhupar said to PTI. India was hit by a second wave of coronavirus, but the situation has now improved, encouraging the federal and state governments to reopen the economy.