Brazilian is ineligible for exemption from visa to the country in 2023 – and failed to interview consular in time of the WTT
The Brazilian, number 3 in the world in table tennis, reported on Thursday (3.Jul.2025) that will not participate in the WTT (World Table Tennis) Grand Smash in Las Vegas, United States. The reason, he said, was traveling to Cuba in 2023.
The Brazilian, who also has Portuguese citizenship, said he was trying to enter the country through this (electronic travel authorization system) – that citizens of the European Union are exempt from visa.
However, his request would have been barred by US authorities. Hugo was informed that he lost his eligibility for traveling to Cuba when he played 2 official tournaments organized by the ITTF (translation into Portuguese, International Table Tennis Federation).
The athlete also said he called organs such as Usatt (United States Table Tennis Association) and Local Usopc (Olympic and Paralympic Committee) to try an emergency visa.
The schedule was approved, but there were no dates available for the consular interview before the tournament.
“I mobilized my team to get the visa, but there was no time. It is frustrating to be out of one of the most important competitions of the season for questions that escape my control”Hugo said in a statement.
He lives the peak of his career. In April 2025, he had a victory at the World Cup and the president (PT) on social networks for the unprecedented title. Calderano also received $ 80,000 awards for the achievement.
WTT Grand Smash is considered the “Grand Slam” of table tennis. This is the second edition of the season. The first was in January.
