D. Gukesh has claimed the World Chess title, but he isn't India’s top-ranked chess player. That distinction still belongs to Arjun Erigaisi. While Gukesh is enjoying the spotlight, Arjun is facing a challenge to obtain a U.S. visa. To solve this issue, Arjun has turned to the Indian Embassy for assistance.

The Rapid and Blitz World Chess Championship is set to be held in New York from December 26 to 31, marking another prestigious chess tournament. Arjun had hoped to participate but was denied a visa despite applying on time. Feeling frustrated, he turned to social media to seek assistance from the Indian Embassy.

In his post, Arjun shared, “I submitted my visa application and passport last week, but haven’t received them yet. Please expedite the process so I can attend the Rapid and Blitz World Chess Championship in New York.”

This marks the first time the FIDE Rapid and Blitz World Chess Championship is being hosted in the U.S. other than Arjun, India will be represented by three other Grandmasters: Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Gukesh, and Vidit Gujrathi. The spotlight, however, will be on reigning champion Magnus Carlsen.