NEW DELHI:
Indian wrestlers
Deepak Punia and
Sujeet Kalakal
faced a significant setback at the
Asia Olympic Qualifiers
in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, after missing the mandatory weigh-in due to
flight delays
.
Punia and Kalakal were scheduled to compete in the continental event, which serves as the second-to-last qualifying tournament for the
Paris Olympics
.
However, their flight from Dubai to Bishkek was delayed due to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flooding at the airport.
Despite eventually reaching Bishkek, the wrestlers were unable to report for the weigh-in on time. According to sources, the organizers did not permit late weigh-ins, despite requests from Indian coaches.
Punia, who narrowly missed a medal at the Tokyo Olympics, and Kalakal were among the top contenders for India at the Asia Olympic Qualifiers. Their absence from the tournament is a significant blow to the Indian wrestling contingent.
The wrestlers had been training in Dagestan, Russia, and were scheduled to fly to Bishkek via Dubai. However, the flooding at the Dubai airport disrupted their travel plans.
While stranded at the airport, Punia and Kalakal faced challenges, including sleeping on the floor and limited access to food. Sujeet's father, Dayanand Kalakal, expressed concern about their well-being and the potential impact on their Olympic qualification chances.
"They were stuck at the Dubai airport since April 16 and it seems the chance of qualifying for Paris Olympics is slipping out of their hands as they are scheduled to compete tomorrow. They are not getting any flights to Bishkek. I am worried about them," Kalakal told on Thursday.
(Inputs from PTI)
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