Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalakal faced a setback in their quest to secure spots in the Paris Olympics as adverse weather conditions at Dubai International Airport halted their journey on Thursday.
Both athletes, Deepak in the 86kg category and Sujeet in the 65kg category were en route to Bishkek for the Asia Olympic qualifiers, a pivotal event preceding the Paris Olympics, scheduled to commence on Friday.
Their plans were disrupted when unprecedented rainfall wreaked havoc in the Gulf nation, leading to flooding and transportation disruptions, including at one of the world’s busiest airports, Dubai International.
The Consulate General of India (CGI) officials in Dubai have been coordinating with the stranded wrestlers, as confirmed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Deepak and Sujeet, who had been training in Dagestan, Russia, from April 2 to 15, opted for a route from Makachkala to Bishkek via Dubai, only to find themselves stranded amidst the chaos caused by the unexpected weather.
With the Asia Olympic qualifiers being the penultimate chance to secure berths for Paris, the wrestlers now await the last opportunity at the World Qualifiers in Turkey in May.
Thus far, Antim Panghal remains the sole Indian wrestler to have secured a spot in the Paris Olympics, courtesy of her remarkable performance in the World Championships last September.
Despite facing challenges, Antim Panghal clinched a bronze medal, securing her place in the Paris Olympics after defeating two-time European champion Jonna Malmgren.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalakal, along with their fellow athletes, remain determined to overcome obstacles and fulfill their Olympic aspirations.
