New Delhi: The Indian wrestling contingent, due to return home from the United World Wrestling Ranking Series have been stranded in Tirana, Albania, amid the US-Israel-Iran war, which has led to the sudden closure of airspace across the Middle East.
The developement comes amid the escalating military conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, prompting several West Asian countries to shut down airports and airspace.
The 16-member Indian contingent in Tirana has confirmed that all individuals are safe and are currently located at a hotel near the airport while they await further instructions regarding the travel arrangements.
“We had come to Tirana for the senior ranking series. But because of the strikes in Dubai, our flights were cancelled (connecting flights). As a result, we stayed back in Tirana, close to the airport. We currently have no issues here,” Manjeet Rani, the women’s team coach, said via a video message.
“We want to thank the Indian Government and the Wrestling Federation of India for taking care of us and supporting us.”
No way back for Indian wrestlers amid Middle East crisis
India claimed seven medals, including one gold, three silver and as many bronze, at the Ranking Series.
“They were supposed to land in Delhi today, but the flight got cancelled as it was through Dubai. Now they are trying to come through a new route,” the father of wrestler Neha Sangwan, who clinched a silver medal in the women’s 57kg category, was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
Chief women’s coach Virender Dahiya said that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is working tirelessly around the clock to arrange an alternative flight back home.
“We have no issues here (in Albania). I am sure the WFI is doing its best to get us back to India,” he said.
Besides the wrestlers, several other Indian athletes have been affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The men’s basketball team has been stranded in Doha, Qatar, waiting to fly back home after its FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifier against Lebanon was postponed, following high tensions in the region.
Double Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu and her coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama are stuck at the Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the shuttler’s participation in the All England Championships. Sindhu is set to miss the prestigious tournament, which begins on March 3.