Denied Entry Due to Cuba Visit
Brazilian table tennis star Hugo Calderano has been barred from entering the United States due to tightened travel restrictions, forcing him to withdraw from the highly anticipated US Grand Smash tournament in Las Vegas. The event, offering $1.55 million in prize money, marks one of the biggest tournaments on the international calendar. Despite holding Portuguese citizenship and routinely entering the U.S. under the visa-free ESTA program, Calderano’s application was denied.
The reason for the denial lies in a 2023 visit to Cuba, where Calderano participated in the Pan American Championships, which served as an Olympic qualifier. Because Cuba is designated by the U.S. as a “State Sponsor of Terrorism,” all travelers who have visited the island since January 2021 are now required to obtain a full visa — even if they are otherwise eligible for visa-free entry through the Visa Waiver Program.
No Emergency Visa Appointment in Time
Although Calderano sought assistance from both the U.S. Table Tennis Association and the U.S. Olympic Committee, efforts to secure an emergency visa appointment were unsuccessful. Due to time constraints, he was unable to obtain a consular appointment before the tournament’s opening on Thursday.
Calderano expressed his disappointment on his official website: “It’s frustrating to be excluded from one of the most important competitions of the year for reasons beyond my control. I followed the exact same procedures I’ve always used to travel to the U.S.”
High-Profile Absence at Major Event
The 29-year-old, currently ranked third in the world, had been expected to be one of the top contenders at the US Grand Smash. His absence is a significant blow to the tournament, which is being held on U.S. soil for the first time and was set to showcase several of the world’s top players.
Calderano, who recently concluded his contract with German champions TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen, has long used his Portuguese passport to travel freely to the United States. Under normal circumstances, EU citizens can enter the country through the ESTA system, part of the broader Visa Waiver Program. However, the U.S. government’s updated policy now overrides that eligibility for anyone who has visited Cuba after January 2021.
Athlete Caught in Geopolitical Crossfire
Calderano’s situation underscores the growing impact of geopolitics on international sports. While the athlete has no known political affiliations or intent, his participation in a tournament in Havana now prevents him from competing in a major global event.
The case has sparked discussion within the sports community about the challenges athletes face in navigating increasingly complex travel regulations. For now, Calderano will be watching from afar, as one of table tennis’s top players is forced to sit out a crucial moment in the season.
