Indian archers who brought glory to the nation at the International Solidarity Archery Meet in Dhaka faced an unimaginable ordeal that marred their triumphant return. The medal-winning athletes encountered severe travel disruptions and substandard accommodation that tested their resilience beyond the competition arena.
Flight Chaos Disrupts Champions' Journey
The trouble began when Biman Bangladesh Airlines cancelled their confirmed return flights from Dhaka to Delhi on December 4. This unexpected cancellation left the entire Indian contingent, including coaches and support staff, stranded in the Bangladeshi capital. The archers had just concluded their successful campaign where they secured multiple medals, but their celebration turned into a nightmare of uncertainty and frustration.
Among the affected athletes were recurve archers Ankita Bhakat and Bhajan Kaur, both of whom had delivered outstanding performances at the tournament. The team management scrambled to find alternative arrangements while dealing with uncooperative airline officials who showed little concern for the athletes' urgent need to return home.
Deplorable Living Conditions in Dharamshala
Even before the travel chaos, the archers had been enduring subpar living conditions at their accommodation in Dharamshala. Team officials described the facilities as "pathetic" and completely inadequate for international athletes. The poor infrastructure and basic amenities failed to provide the proper environment needed for athletes to recover and prepare between competition days.
The situation became so dire that the Archery Association of India had to intervene, making urgent representations to both tournament organizers and Bangladeshi authorities. Despite these efforts, the response was slow and insufficient, leaving the athletes to cope with the challenging circumstances throughout their stay.
Impact on Performance and Morale
Despite these overwhelming challenges, the Indian archers demonstrated remarkable professionalism by continuing to compete at the highest level. The mental and physical toll of dealing with travel uncertainties and poor accommodation undoubtedly affected their preparation and recovery routines.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges Indian athletes face when competing in international tournaments abroad. While they managed to secure medals against tough competition, the experience raises serious questions about the support systems and contingency planning for Indian sports contingents traveling overseas.
This unfortunate episode serves as a wake-up call for sports authorities to ensure better travel coordination and accommodation standards for athletes representing the country internationally. The dedication shown by these archers in overcoming administrative hurdles to bring medals home deserves proper recognition and improved logistical support in future competitions.
