Indian wrestlers and Paris 2024 Olympics hopefuls, Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalkal are stuck at the Dubai International Airport for the last two days, due to massive floods in the region, that has caused unprecedented delays. As per a report in the Indian Express, the delay could keep the Indian wrestlers away from the Asian Olympic Qualifying tournament, to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Deepak Punia & Sujeet Kalkal Stranded Due to Dubai Floods
The report further states the duo are slated to play their first bouts on Friday, and the weigh-in is supposed to take place at 8 am local time. Meanwhile, Deepak and Sujeet are accompanied by their Russian coach Kamal Malikov and physio Shubham Gupta.
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Sujeet’s father is still hopeful that the duo could get a flight by Thursday night, and reach the next day by 4.30 am local time. “At least then they will be able to appear for the weigh-in at 8 and participate in their bouts later in the day,” Dayanand told The Indian Express. “But it’s a tense situation. I am worried for their well-being.”
Indian Wrestlers Sleeping on Airport Floor
“They have been sleeping on the floor of the terminal and have not been able to eat proper food. They are in a terrible situation,” Dayanand said. That puts serious doubts over whether the duo will be able to qualify at the Asian Olympic Qualifying tournament. Meanwhile, till now only one Indian wrestler has bagged an Olympic quota — Antim Panghal.
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