With the arrival of the new year, the attention of the sporting world has shifted to its most historic competition. The Olympics are set to be held in Paris in 2024, after the 2020 event was postponed to 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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As far as Indian wrestling is concerned, it has been a tumultuous 12-18 months. After the incidents surrounding former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh and Sakshi Malik's subsequent retirement, the sport has had to build its image back up again.
However, the Indian wrestling contingent was dealt another blow on Friday, which could seriously jeopardise the Olympics this year.
Why were Indian wrestlers Deepak Punia, Sujeet Kalkal not allowed to compete in Olympic Qualifiers?
The Asian Olympic Qualifiers for wrestling began on Friday, April 19 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Indian wrestlers Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalkal reached the venue after 8:00 am on Friday morning by which point the weigh-in for the event had started, and they were not allowed to participate.
The pair had been delayed due to flooding in Dubai which disrupted air travel from the Middle Eastern country. Having reached there on Tuesday, they reportedly slept on the airport floor for three days before managing to catch a flight out to Bishkek but it ended up being in vain. Punia and Kalkal can now qualify for the Olympics only through the World Qualifiers next month, which will be a huge ask.
MORE: Indian men's hockey team at Paris Olympics - Group, draw, complete fixtures and schedule
Among the other Indians taking part in the tournament, Aman Sehrawat is one win away from qualifying for the Olympics. Jaideep, Deepak Nehra, Sumit Malik, Sumit have already been knocked out while several others, including star Vinesh Phogat are yet to begin their matches.
Antim Panghal has already qualified for the Olympics in the women's 53kg category by virtue of winning a bronze medal at the World Championships last year.
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