Dubai: Amidst the challenges posed by disrupted flight schedules, officials from the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai have extended a helping hand to wrestlers Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalkal. The two athletes found themselves stranded in Dubai, jeopardizing their participation in the upcoming Asian Olympic Qualifying tournament.
Officials of CGI Dubai are in touch with wrestlers, Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalkal, who have been stranded in Dubai due to the disruption of flights. They will be accommodated on a flight from Dubai to Bishkek tonight ahead of the Asian Olympic Qualifying tournament,” the SAI said in a post on X.
ASIAN WRESTLING OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS 2024: DEEPAK PUNIA, SUJEET KALAKAL MISS WEIGH-INS AFTER FLIGHT DELAYS – OLYMPICS
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, CGI Dubai swiftly intervened to ensure the wrestlers’ smooth transition to their destination. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the consulate officials, Punia and Kalkal are slated to board a flight from Dubai to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan tonight.
This timely assistance comes as a lifeline for the wrestlers, enabling them to stay on track with their preparations and compete in the crucial qualifying event. The Asian Olympic Qualifiers represent a significant opportunity for athletes to secure their berths in the prestigious Olympic Games, making every moment count in their journey towards excellence.
Deepak Punia, who was to compete in the men’s freestyle 86kg category, is a silver medallist at the World Championships and the Asian Games. He also made the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics.
Kalakal, meanwhile, was to compete in the 65kg – a category in which Bajarang Punia won the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
As Punia and Kalkal embark on their journey to Bishkek, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation, bolstered by the unwavering support of CGI Dubai.
