India’s 8 players cleared for Hong Kong visas: AFC Asian Cup qualifier looms June 10

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed relief as eight key players of the Indian national football team were finally granted visas to travel to Hong Kong for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier on June 10.

The visa approval came after a prolonged wait of 15 days, during which the AIFF had to intervene by writing to the Ministry of External Affairs. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey personally engaged with the concerned government ministries to expedite the process.

"We wrote to the ministry of external affairs and then the President (Kalyan Chaubey) had to speak with the concerned ministries to ensure that all players got the visas," an AIFF official said.

The eight players cleared for travel include prominent names such as Jhingan, Amrinder Singh, Subhashish Bose, Manvir Singh, Ashish Rai, Anwar Ali, Gurmeet Singh, and Mehtab Singh.

"The visas for the eight players which included Jhingan, Amrinder Singh, Subhashish Bose, Manvir Singh, Ashish Rai, Anwar Ali, Gurmeet Singh and Mehtab Singh were finally issued on Tuesday, 15 days after their first application," the statement added.

This development is crucial as India prepares to face Hong Kong in a decisive AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match scheduled for June 10. The timely visa clearance ensures the team can travel without further administrative hurdles, allowing them to focus on the important fixture ahead.

The AIFF’s proactive approach highlights the challenges faced in international sports travel amid bureaucratic delays and underscores the importance of administrative support in ensuring smooth participation in global tournaments.

India’s football team received a boost as eight players secured visas to travel to Hong Kong for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier scheduled on June 10, following a 15-day wait and intervention by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey with government ministries.