I want to explore the international arena. And if I get a little support from the chief minister, I can participate in ‘PRIDE Swim Manhattan’ in the United States,” said Shivsmit Khandoba Biradar, a 12-year-old resident of Aurangabad, who is struggling to get a visa.

The boy, his coach and his manager have been running from pillar to post since April to get a visa for the June 24 competition, which is considered a stepping stone to the Olympics. Even a verbal instruction by the state sports minister to expedite the matter has not helped them, they said. Now, the team has pinned their hopes on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.