Assurances from Indian Govt and WFI: Women's Wrestling Team Safe in Albania
Synopsis
Amidst the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, the Indian women's wrestling team is safe in Tirana, Albania, thanks to prompt arrangements by the Indian government and WFI. Their return flights have been disrupted, but support continues.
Key Takeaways
The Indian women's wrestling team is currently safe in Tirana, Albania.
The team is stranded due to flight cancellations linked to the Israel-Iran conflict.
Accommodation has been arranged by the Indian government and WFI.
Wrestlers participated in the Muhamet Malo 2026 wrestling tournament .
India secured a total of seven medals at the tournament.
New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) The Indian women's wrestling team finds itself in a challenging situation in Tirana, Albania, as the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran has significantly disrupted flight operations. Fortunately, the Indian government, alongside the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has swiftly organized accommodations for the athletes in the capital city.
As a result of retaliatory actions by Iran, most airspace in West Asian countries has been closed, affecting flights to and from the region, particularly those involving the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. These strikes were initiated in response to earlier attacks by the US and Israel.
A total of 16 female wrestlers, accompanied by their support team, traveled to Albania for the recently concluded Muhamet Malo 2026 wrestling tournament. They became stranded in Tirana after their planned flight back to India via Dunai was cancelled due to the worsening situation in the Middle East.
In contrast, the men's freestyle team successfully returned home following their competition, which wrapped up a few days earlier.
The head coach of the women's team, Manjeet, confirmed that the team is currently residing in a hotel close to the airport in Tirana. He expressed gratitude to the WFI and the Indian government for their prompt assistance.
"We are not facing any issues here. We are safe in Tirana," stated Manjeet.
Chief coach Virender Singh added, "After our flight was cancelled, we were contacted by the Sports Ministry and WFI. We have no problems here. WFI assured us that we will not encounter any difficulties until the situation stabilizes."
India sent a total of 48 wrestlers to participate in the Muhamet Malo 2026, with 16 competitors in men's freestyle, women's divisions, and Greco-Roman categories.
Sujeet Kalkal, a U23 world champion, was India's standout performer, securing gold in the men's 65kg freestyle category at the Muhamet Malo 2026 ranking series. Overall, India concluded the tournament with a total of seven medals: one gold, three silver, and three bronze.
Point of View
The swift response from the Indian government and the Wrestling Federation of India underscores the importance of athlete welfare. The situation, while challenging, is being managed effectively, ensuring the safety of the wrestlers.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Indian women's wrestling team stranded?
The team is stranded in Albania due to the disruption of flight schedules caused by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
How many wrestlers are affected?
A total of 16 women wrestlers and their support staff are currently stranded in Tirana, Albania.
What assistance has the team received?
The Indian government and the Wrestling Federation of India have arranged accommodations for the team in Tirana.
When does the team expect to return to India?
The team is awaiting the resolution of the ongoing conflict to determine when they can safely return to India.
What was the purpose of the team's visit to Albania?
The wrestlers went to Albania to participate in the Muhamet Malo 2026 wrestling tournament.
