Novak Djokovic stuck at Melbourne airport due to visa mistake: Report
Melbourne, Jan 5: With so much focus on getting the medical exemption he needed to fly into Melbourne to defend his Australian Open title, it seems Novak Djokovic may not have paid enough to attention to his visa.
The medical exemption allowed the top-ranked Djokovic entry to the tournament regardless of his vaccination status for COVID-19, a subject he has declined to clarify amid months of speculation he could miss the season-opening major unless he can prove he's had two doses of a coronavirus vaccine.
But it wasn't everything he needed to enter Australia, which has strict border regulations in place for the pandemic.
Melbourne's The Age newspaper reported that Djokovic had landed Wednesday before midnight local time at Tullamarine Airport, but his entry was delayed because of a mistake with his visa application. Two hours later, local media reported he still hadn't cleared the border.
Speculation of a possible issue with the visa emerged while Djokovic was in transit and escalated with mixed messages from federal and state lawmakers.
Djokovic's revelation on social media that he was heading to Australia seeking a record 21st major title sparked some debate and plenty of headlines on Wednesday, with critics questioning what grounds the nine-time Australian Open champion could have for the exemption and backers defending his right to privacy and freedom of choice.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley defended the completely legitimate application and process and insisted there was no special treatment for Djokovic.
The Victoria state government-mandated that only fully vaccinated players, staff, fans and officials could enter Melbourne Park when the tournament starts on January 17th.
Only 26 people connected with the tournament applied for a medical exemption and, Tiley said, only a handful - estimated at about five - were granted.
The names, ages and nationalities of applicants were redacted for privacy reasons before each application for a vaccine exemption was assessed by two independent panels of experts, and Tiley noted Djokovic is under no obligation to reveal his reason for seeking one.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Abdullah announces Rs 2 crore cash reward for J-K's maiden Ranji Trophy win
Srinagar (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore for the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team following its maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, he said, the landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration.
In a post on X, Abdullah announced a cash reward of 2 crore for the players and support staff after their "emphatic" victory over Karnataka on their home turf.
Abdullah on Friday dashed to Hubbali in Karnataka to cheer for the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team which had taken a massive first innings lead and was almost certain of lifting the trophy for the first time.
"The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons," Abdullah said.
Congratulating Team J&K on their historic triumph in the Ranji Trophy, the Chief Minister announced a cash reward of ₹2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic victory over Karnataka on their home turf.
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) February 28, 2026
Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu & Kashmir… pic.twitter.com/OnRJCa1EoB
