Deepak Punia, Sujeet Kalkal's Dubai Airport Ordeal Threatens Olympic Qualification Bid

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Indian wrestlers Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalkal found themselves in an unexpected predicament at the Dubai International Airport due to the unprecedented floods caused by heavy rainfall. Stranded since Tuesday (April 16), the wrestlers were forced to train at the airport while sleeping on the terminal floor.

Speaking to myKhel, the duo's coach Lalit Yadav expressed concern, revealing, "Both are stuck at the airport for the last two days. They don't have any hotel to go to because all the hotels are booked, and the problem is due to the flood the airport is too crowded, so they are forced to sleep on the floor."

Adding to their challenges, the wrestlers had to continue training at the airport as they had a flight scheduled for 10 PM local time to Bishkek, where the Asian Olympic Qualifying tournament awaited them. Lalit Yadav further stated, "Both are forced to train at the airport too as they have a flight at 10 PM from Dubai and will reach Bishkek at 6 AM while the weigh-in for the tournament is at 8 AM."

Their participation in the crucial tournament was cast into doubt due to the unforeseen circumstances. With bouts scheduled for Friday after the weigh-in in the morning, time was of the essence.

As per an Indian Express report, Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalkal, accompanied by their Russian coach Kamal Malikov and physio Shubham Gupta, faced uncertainty about their travel arrangements. Concerns lingered regarding their physical and mental preparedness too, given the lack of proper rest and nutrition.

Deepak Punia, a medal hopeful for the Paris Olympics in the 86 kg category, and Kalkal, competing in the 65 kg weight class, faced uncertainty amidst the logistical challenges posed by the disrupted travel plans. While other Indian wrestlers departed from Delhi directly, Punia and Kalkal, who were training in Russia, encountered hurdles during their journey from Makachkala to Bishkek via Dubai.

The heavy rains in Dubai severely disrupted airport operations, leading to cancellations and delays of hundreds of flights. Despite the adversity, Punia and Kalkal remained determined to overcome the obstacles and make it to the tournament, which serves as a crucial opportunity to secure qualification for the Paris Olympics.