Disaster struck the Olympic aspirations of Indian wrestlers Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalakal. Unprecedented rain in Dubai caused major flight delays, preventing them from reaching Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in time for the crucial Asian Wrestling Qualifiers. Sports Tak learnt that, the weigh-in for their respective weight categories (Punia - 86kg, Kalakal - 65kg) was scheduled for 8 am local time on Friday, April 19, with their bouts following later in the day. Missing this event significantly hampers their chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics, which begin on July 26. This setback leaves them with only the World Qualifiers in Turkey in May as their remaining shot at securing a coveted Olympic spot.
Heavy Rains in Dubai Ground Indian Wrestlers' Olympic Dreams
Unforeseen heavy rainfall in Dubai threw a wrench into the Olympic qualification plans of Indian wrestlers Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalakal. The downpour caused widespread flooding and crippled operations at the bustling Dubai airport, leading to the cancellation or rescheduling of numerous flights.
While the rest of the 17-member Indian wrestling contingent managed to reach Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Punia and Kalakal were left stranded in Dubai. A source within the Wrestling Federation of India confirmed that their flight was delayed due to the inoperable runway at Dubai airport for the past two days.
Despite a rescheduled late-night flight aiming for a 4:40 am arrival in Kyrgyzstan, further delays prevented the wrestlers from reaching the weigh-in for the Asian qualifiers in time. This setback significantly impacts their chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics, leaving them with only the World Qualifiers in Turkey in May as their remaining opportunity.
“Deepak and Sujeet was stuck in Dubai due to heavy rainfall and could not took the flight as run way was not operational,” a source in WFI told Sports Tak.
“Both the Indian wrestlers took the flight last night which was expected to land at 4:40 am but that flight got delayed and the wrestlers couldn't reach the venue on time for mandatory weigh in. Coaches and WFI president Sanjay Singh requested the UWW but the wrestlers were late and UWW denied the weigh. In fact WFI has written to UWW and official waited for 10 min in additional time window but both wrestlers reached venues when the time got over,” the source added.
Deepak Punia, a near-medalist at the Tokyo Olympics and recent silver medalist at the 2023 Asian Games (Hangzhou) and gold medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, is facing a crucial challenge in his Olympic qualification journey.
Heavy rains in Dubai caused travel delays, stranding him and fellow wrestler Sujeet Kalakal at the airport. Forced to sleep on the floor and with limited access to proper food, their situation is far from ideal.
However, hope remains. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has confirmed efforts to get them to Bishkek, and the World Qualifiers in Turkey in May offer another chance to secure their Olympic spots. Meanwhile, the Indian contingent in Bishkek boasts four additional wrestlers competing in the men's freestyle event: Aman (57kg), Jaideep (74kg), Deepak (97kg - a different wrestler with the same name), and Sumit (125kg).
India's wrestling contingent has a mixed bag on the Olympic qualification front. While 19-year-old Antim Panghal secured a quota place in the women's 53kg category with her bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships, the rest of the team, including Vinesh Phogat (50kg), Reetika Hooda (76kg), Anshu Malik (57kg - the U23 World Champion), Mansi Ahlawat (62kg), and Nisha Dahiya (68kg), will be battling for their spots at the Asian qualifiers.
A total of 36 Olympic berths are up for grabs across 18 weight categories in this crucial tournament.
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