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Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Olympic Speed Climbing Champion Sam Watson to Visit Mumbai

Mumbai: When Sam Watson sprints up a 15-metre wall, the world seems to slow down. The 19-year-old American speed climber, an Olympic medallist from Paris 2024 and current world-record holder at 4.64 seconds, has become the face of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. On November 2, he will trade competition arenas for Mumbai’s High Rock in Powai, offering a rare day of workshops and conversations with India’s burgeoning community of climbers. Speed climbing, once a fringe pursuit of...

Olympic Speed Climbing Champion Sam Watson to Visit Mumbai

Mumbai: When Sam Watson sprints up a 15-metre wall, the world seems to slow down. The 19-year-old American speed climber, an Olympic medallist from Paris 2024 and current world-record holder at 4.64 seconds, has become the face of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. On November 2, he will trade competition arenas for Mumbai’s High Rock in Powai, offering a rare day of workshops and conversations with India’s burgeoning community of climbers. Speed climbing, once a fringe pursuit of mountaineers, now stands as one of the Olympics’ most electrifying disciplines. The sport demands not just power and agility but precision measured in hundredths of a second. Watson, often hailed as the greatest speed climber of all time, has repeatedly rewritten the record books. His visit marks a milestone for India’s fledgling climbing scene. High Rock, the city’s first commercial climbing facility, opened its walls in December 2024 and has since drawn more than 10,000 enthusiasts. It represents the country’s growing fascination with vertical sports and a reflection of a global shift toward adventure and athleticism fused with technology and training science. During his visit, Sam Watson will conduct Masterclasses for both Kids and Adults, offering a rare opportunity for amateur climbers to learn directly from a global champion and experience his unmatched energy and technique up close. Watson will be joined by Matt Groom, the Official Lead Commentator for the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC). Known as the voice of IFSC World Cups and World Championships, Groom will host a 30-minute talk at High Rock on ‘The Evolution of Climbing in Competitive Sport.’ His insights promise to provide a deep look into the transformation of climbing from niche adventure to Olympic spectacle. Event: Sam Watson, Olympic Medalist and current World Record holder at High Rock Date: November 2, 2025 Location: High Rock, Powai, Mumbai

US deports senior Pakistani diplomat despite valid visa, Islamabad left red-faced

Updated: Mar 12

KK Wagan, Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkmenistan, was denied entry into the US over ‘immigration objections’ despite having a valid visa



Pakistani diplomat

In a significant diplomatic embarrassment for Pakistan, a senior envoy was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa. KK Wagan, Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkmenistan, was stopped by US immigration officials upon his arrival in Los Angeles and subsequently deported.


Diplomat Turned Away Despite Valid Documents

According to reports from Pakistani media outlets, Mr. Wagan was on a private visit to the US and had all necessary travel documents. However, immigration authorities flagged "controversial visa references" and cited concerns over diplomatic protocol, leading to his immediate deportation.


A source within Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that the denial was due to an "immigration objection," though specific details remain unclear. Following the incident, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other top officials were briefed, and Mr. Wagan is expected to be summoned to Islamabad for an explanation.


Diplomatic Fallout and Speculations

The episode has sparked speculation over strained US-Pakistan relations, particularly amid reports that US President Donald Trump could impose a travel ban on Pakistan, restricting Pakistani nationals from entering the country.


Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign office has confirmed that the matter is under investigation, while media reports suggest the incident has caused considerable embarrassment for the government.

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