Sunil Khadka Misses Calisthenics World Championship Due to Visa Rejection

Nepali calisthenics athlete Sunil Khadka was unable to participate in the World Championship held in Latvia after his visa application was rejected. Since calisthenics is not registered with the Nepal Olympic Committee, he did not receive an official government recommendation letter, leading to the visa denial. There is a growing demand for the state to provide alternative documentation for athletes selected through national trials to participate in international competitions. (29 Shrawan, Kathmandu)

Sunil Khadka had been selected in the men’s endurance category through the national trials. The championship started on August 12 in Latvia and is scheduled to conclude tomorrow. Various athletes were selected in different categories during the national trials held last April, collaboratively organized by Rise Calisthenics Lalitpur and NYFC Nepal. The competition included four categories: men’s and women’s endurance, and men’s and women’s freestyle events.

According to Sunil, three other athletes did not even apply for a visa due to lack of necessary documents, but he had completed all the required procedures and was prepared to travel to Latvia. He stated, “My competition was going to be in Latvia, but my visa was rejected. Calisthenics is not a sport registered with the NOC.”

This incident raises questions not only for calisthenics athletes but also for athletes from sports not registered in the national system regarding their participation in international events. Sunil added, “If calisthenics is institutionally registered or if a separate government mechanism is established to confirm national representation for unregistered sports, it will facilitate easier access for athletes to participate in international competitions.”