Bangladesh Chess Player Ashiya Sultana Denied Entry Into India, Deported Back Home

Last Updated:June 12, 2025, 10:26 IST

The 37-year-old Sultana was reportedly blacklisted by the FRRO for taking part in a chess tournament in Kolkata during her earlier visit to India on a medical visa.

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A Bangladeshi chess player, Ashiya Sultana, who was accompanying the esteemed 80-year-old Sayedha Jasimunnessa Khatun aka Rani Hamid for the 21st Delhi International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament, was denied entry into India upon her arrival at the airport in Delhi.

The 37-year-old Sultana was reportedly blacklisted by the Foreign Regional Registration Office for taking part in a chess tournament in Kolkata during her earlier visit to India on a medical visa. The airport authorities detained her and deported her the next day.

Rani Hamid, who was apparently shocked by the same, was left disturbed and not able to concentrate on her game.

“I am very sad, the person who came with me was not allowed to enter India. She was made to sit overnight at the immigration centre," Hamid said.

“They did not even give her access to her luggage. The next day, she was forced to buy a return ticket at double the price," she explained.

“My mind is disturbed and unable to focus on the game," Hamid added.

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Hamid elucidated that she usually travels with a companion and the ordeal Sultana was put through had take a toll on her.

“I never travel alone, I always have someone with me. She was accompanying me and now she is gone, I have been left alone," the 80-year-old said.

“Her passport was clear, all documents were in order, but immigration told her she had been blacklisted for playing in a previous tournament on a medical visit," she added.

“At the time, she wasn’t even aware that it was a violation. If she had been informed earlier, she would never have come," the Bangladeshi said.

“The Indian authorities should have notified the Bangladesh Chess Foundation."

Hamid added that she requested the Indian authorities to impose a fine and permit her entry so that she could take part in the chess event, however, her pleas fell on deaf ears.

“I requested them, if you believe she violated the rules, then impose a fine, $100, $200, whatever, but let her stay and play for seven days," the chess player said.

“She is not a criminal. She hasn’t committed any crime. She didn’t kill, steal, or rob anyone. Her only offence is that she played chess," Hamid explained.

Hamid however, expressed her gratitude towards the organisers for putting together an event of high quality.

“It is very comfortable here. I can play only because of that comfort. I am very grateful to the organisers who sent tickets and invited us so warmly," she stated.

Delhi Chess Association Chief Bharath Singh Chauhan reflected on the same and opined that such challenges were part of hosting an event of such magnitude.

“Visa issues are common for foreign players. In this case, the FRRO had blacklisted her," Chauhan said.

“Perhaps she had previously come to India for medical treatment and ended up playing in a chess tournament, which may have led someone to file a complaint," he continued.

“As a result, she was denied entry. These kinds of challenges are part and parcel of hosting large-scale events," Chauhan added.

(With Inputs From TOI)

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