Bajrang Punia and Deepak Punia’s requests for overseas training assignments have been approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), but they have been asked to suggest new dates.
The original approval of the applications was contingent upon their submitting a fitness certificate before to traveling overseas.
The two wrestlers have been approved after meeting the requirements established by the MOC’s wrestling subcommittee, but since the original dates for their international trip cannot be followed, they have been requested to submit alternative dates.
The MOC’s wrestling subcommittee examined the applications made by Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang and 2019 World Championship silver medalist Deepak, and both were awarded in-principle approval.
On August 18, Bajrang proposed to train in Kyrgyzstan for 39 days from August 21 to September 28 with a coach, strength and conditioning specialist, physiotherapist, and sparring partner. On this occasion, it was also considered the suggestion by fellow Olympian Deepak Punia for a 35-day training camp with his coach and physical therapist in Russia from August 23 to September 28.
Both Bajrang and Deepak’s bids received preliminary permission from the committee, but they were both required to provide a fitness certificate before traveling overseas and an explanation for why they would not be competing in the Senior World Championship Trials.
Following this, Bajrang explained why he will not be taking part in the World Championships trials by email on August 19. Additionally, a medical fitness evaluation by SAI at NCOE Sonepat on August 21 determined that he was healthy enough to participate in or prepare for competitive sports.
On August 22, Deepak sent in his answer and a medical certificate.
SAI has now asked the athletes to disclose their travel dates since the two have already filed the necessary paperwork. As soon as their answer is received, the tickets for the same will be reserved on the first flight that becomes available.