Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen has called on the highest authorities in the country to help him resolve issues with securing a visa for Japan and China Opens. The World no 17 shuttler made a desperate plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, and Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar after experiencing delays in obtaining his Japan visa.
Lakshya Sen’s plea came after he and his team applied for a Japan visa on October 10 but had yet to receive it, with time running out for his upcoming participation in the Japan and China Opens.
In a tweet, Sen wrote, “I have to travel to Japan & China Open on Sat. Me and my team applied for Japan visa on 30/10/23. We still haven’t got the visa. I have to apply for a China visa as well. Urgent request for visa for myself, my coach and physio. Please help @ianuragthakur Sir @PMOIndia @meaindia1.”
Sen is scheduled to compete in the upcoming Japan and China Opens, with the China Masters taking place from November 21 to 26 in Shenzhen. Along with other Indian badminton talents, Sen is expected to participate in several competitions over the next month.
The Indian men’s badminton team, including Sen, recently made history at the Asian Games. However, Sen’s last tournament appearance at the French Open in 2023 ended in defeat in the men’s singles event, where he was defeated Arnaud Merkle of France.
As Sen waits for his visa issues to be resolved, he is eager to represent India on the international badminton stage and make his mark in upcoming tournaments. His plea to government officials highlights the challenges faced athletes in navigating visa requirements, especially amid the ongoing global health situation.