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Indian Women Wrestlers Stranded in Albania Amid Mideast Conflict, Govt Steps In

The Indian women's wrestling team is stranded in Tirana, Albania, after their return flight via Doha was cancelled due to airspace closures in the Middle East following Iran's strikes. The Indian government and Wrestling Federation of India quickly arranged hotel accommodation for the 16 wrestlers and support staff near the airport. Chief coach Virender Singh confirmed the team is safe and receiving full support until travel arrangements can be made. The team was participating in the Muhamet Malo 2026 ranking series, where India won seven medals.

Key Points: Indian Wrestlers Safe in Albania After Flight Cancellation

  • Team stranded after Iran-Israel conflict
  • Flight via Doha cancelled
  • Govt & WFI arranged accommodation
  • 16 wrestlers & staff affected
  • Tournament concluded successfully
2 min read

'We're safe; Govt, WFI assured us we won't face any difficulty': Chief coach Virender Singh after women wrestlers stranded in Albania

Indian women's wrestling team stranded in Tirana due to Middle East airspace closures. Government and WFI provide support and accommodation.

"We are safe here. WFI has assured us we will not face any difficulty. - Chief Coach Virender Singh"

New Delhi, March 2

Indian women wrestling team has been stranded in Tirana, Albania, as the escalating Israel-Iran conflict severely disrupted the flight schedules. However, the Indian government and the Wrestling Federation of India promptly arranged accommodation for the team in the Albanian capital.

Most West Asian countries have shut their airspace after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on Israel and US military bases in the region. The targets included bases in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. The strikes came in response to attacks by the US and Israel.

As many as 16 women wrestlers, along with their support staff, went to Albania for the Muhamet Malo 2026 wrestling tournament that concluded on Sunday and got stuck in the Albanian capital after their returning flight to India via Dunai got cancelled due to the escalating situation in the Middle East.

The men's freestyle team, however, returned to the country after their competition, which finished a couple of days ago.

The Indian women's wrestling coach Manjeet said that the team is staying in a hotel near the airport in Tirana and thanked WFI and the Indian government for their quick help and support.

"We don't have any problem here. We are safe here," Manjeet said.

Meanwhile, the chief coach, Virender Singh shared, "After our flight was cancelled, we received a call from the Sports Ministry and WFI. We are not facing any kind of problem here. WFI has assured us that we will not face any difficulty until the situation is sorted out."

India sent a 48-member wrestling team for the Muhamet Malo 2026, with 16 entered in each of the men's freestyle, women's divisions, and Greco-Roman categories.

Sujeet Kalkal, a U23 world champion, was India's only gold medallist at the Muhamet Malo 2026 ranking series, winning the men's 65kg freestyle division as India concluded their campaign with seven medals-- one gold, three silver and as many bronze.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is why we need stronger diplomatic ties and contingency plans for our sportspeople traveling to these regions. Good response this time, but let's be more proactive.
A
Aman W
Feel so relieved for the team! Our daughters are out there making the country proud and it's our duty to ensure their safety. Kudos to the officials for the quick support. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
It's interesting that the men's team returned just fine. Was there a difference in planning or scheduling? Regardless, glad the women are safe now.
V
Vikram M
Geopolitical tensions affecting our athletes... a reminder of how interconnected the world is. Hope they get back home soon with their medals! 🥇
K
Karthik V
While the support is commendable, we must ask why the travel itinerary had a layover in a conflict-prone zone? WFI should review travel plans for future tournaments. Safety first.

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