Paris Olympics 2024: Indian wrestlers Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalkal ‘sleeping on the floor' at Dubai airport ahead of Olympic Qualifiers
India's Commonwealth Games gold medallist wrestler Deepak Punia and his compatriot Sujeet Kalkal, alongside their coach and physio, have been stranded at the Dubai airport after their flights got canceled due to excessive flooding in Dubai.
Notably, they are expected to be a part of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Bishkek, starting from Friday, April 19. Interestingly, the weigh-ins will take place at 8 am local time in Bishkek. It’s important to note that Punia and Kalkal’s games are scheduled to start on Friday.
The unprecedented rainfall in Dubai has put the Indian duo’s participation in the qualifiers in serious doubt. Deepak Punia will compete in the 86 kg category while Kalkal will be taking part in the 65 kg weight class. They are accompanied by their Russian coach Kamal Malikov and physio Shubham Gupta.
Speaking on the incident, Kalka’s father Dayanand told The Indian Express that the wrestlers are hopeful of getting a late-night flight from Dubai and reaching their destination at 4.30 am local time. Furthermore, Dayanand is concerned about the duo’s physical and mental condition if they make it on time to the event.
“At least then they will be able to appear for the weigh-in at 8 and participate in their bouts later in the day. But it’s a tense situation. I am worried for their well-being,” Dayanand told The Indian Express.
“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 added.
Vinesh Phogat and other Indian wrestlers reached Bishkek while Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalkal couldn’t make it
Interestingly, other Indian wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat left for the Asian Olympic Qualifiers directly from Delhi. However, Deepak Punia and Kalkal were traveling by themselves as the duo was training in Dagestan, Russia.
On Tuesday, April 16, the Indian duo took a flight from Russia to Bishkek via Dubai. However, due to excessive flooding in Dubai, the duo were stranded at the terminal in Dubai Airport.
Notably, 17 Indian wrestlers will be aiming to secure their spots for the Paris Olympics 2024 in Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek from April 19 to 21. This will be the penultimate opportunity for Indian wrestlers to secure a quota for the mega event in Paris.
The World Qualification Tournament in Turkey, which is scheduled in May, will be the final wrestling qualifier for the Paris Olympics 2024.