Sri Lankan karate athletes scheduled to depart on Tuesday (02 Sept) to participate in the 23rd Asian Karate Championship in China were unable to travel due to visa issues, it is reported.
According to reports, despite the scheduled flight time, the athletes had not received their visas, resulting in significant distress for the team, who were at the Katunayake Airport.
The 23rd Asian Karate Championship is set to take place in China from September 5 to 7, with 29 Sri Lankan athletes qualified to represent the country at the event.
Reports indicate that each participant was charged Rs. 580,000 by the Sri Lanka Karate-Do Federation to cover expenses, including airfare, visa processing, and other logistical support.
Officials from the Sri Lanka Karate-Do Federation had informed the athletes to arrive at the airport, assuring that visas would be issued by this morning.
However, the flight to China departed from Katunayake Airport at 2:00 PM yesterday, and the athletes’ hopes of participation were dashed due to the Federation’s failure to secure the necessary visas in time.
Amid high hopes and financial strain, these athletes, who had worked hard to represent their homeland, were left facing an unjust setback.
In response to inquiries about the incident, Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne stated that an investigation will be conducted into the unfortunate situation faced by the karate athletes. (Newswire)