India's No. 2 tennis star Riya Bhatia asks Kiren Rijiju to aid with visa issues

The 23-year-old wants to participate in a tournament in the USA.

India’s No.2 women’s tennis star Riya Bhatia has found herself dealing with unnecessary issues ahead of a WTA tournament later this month. She is poised to play in a WTA tournament from 26th July, but is in a battle against time to even get there!

Riya Bhatia recently indicated that she has been facing VISA issues before travelling to the USA for the tournament. She took to Twitter to ask Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju for help to get her the necessary documents to travel.

The Indian tennis player tweeted recently, “Hello sir Kiren Rijiju. I am currently ranked India No. 2 in singles women's. I have a chance to represent India in WTA tournaments in the USA from 26th July. But, I am unable to get an appointment for my US visa urgently. If you could kindly help me out.”

https://twitter.com/riyatennis/status/1411398704116994051

This, of course, earned attention from Kiren Rijiju and a lot of tennis fans in the country. Rijiju assured the player that she will get the necessary help and his office is getting in touch with her. He tweeted, "I'll follow up the matter. My office is getting in touch with you."

https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1411548083914043393

Many were dismayed with how a blooming, talented sportsperson could be dealing with such issues. Some also indicated that it might be the US authorities who are making things difficult rather than anything from the Indian side.

COVID-19 Protocols

Riya Bhatia could be facing issues because of certain travel restrictions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. With India being one of the worst-hit nations, many countries have put restrictions on those travelling from the country.

However, normally a person who has tested negative for COVID-19 and is vaccinated should be able to travel to the US. Bhatia is among India’s brightest singles tennis players and is currently ranked 357th on the singles circuit.

She is also proactive on the doubles circuit, being ranked 395th in the rankings. Bhatia has won three singles titles in her career, including the Lagos Open in 2019. She also has three ITF titles on the doubles circuit – while being runners-up 13 times in different tournaments.

Riya Bhatia has a decent win/loss record in the singles, having won 162 and lost 145 matches. She last participated in the Bad Homburg Open in Germany, where she lost out in the Round of 32.

The youngster is only ranked behind Ankita Raina in the singles women’s rankings among Indian tennis stars. She will hope to have her visa issues solved soon in order to travel for the upcoming tournament.

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