Shako Bentinidis, Bajrang Punia’s coach, was quarantined after returning to Georgia on Saturday. He left India after Bajrang requested the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to let his coach leave for home in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. But little did Shako know that the flight he was travelling had six people who later got tested positive for Coronavirus. As a precautionary measure, the Georgian authorities have quarantined Shako and other passengers at Lopota Lake Resort & Spa, Kvareli for 14 days.
“I have not been with my family for over six months. I missed them and wanted to be with them considering the current situation. Bajrang understood my situation and requested SAI and WFI to let me return home, ” he told WrestlingTV from Georgia.
“After reaching to Georgia we were put under thermal scanning. Six people in my flight were suspected with Coronavirus and therefore we all have been quarantined at Lopota Lake Resort & Spa for 14 days”.
Shako was staying at SAI Center, Sonepat and training with Bajrang. But their training schedule was disrupted after WFI decided to shut the operations until March 31 citing safety measures. Since then, the Georgian coach was staying alone at the hostel and wanted to return home to be with his family. But his journey to Georgia was not easy. Shako had run into trouble with the airport authorities in Dubai from where he had a flight home.
“From New Delhi, I had a flight to Dubai from where there was a connecting flight for Georgia. But after I reached Dubai, the authorities did not let me board the Georgia-bound flight due to travel restrictions,” he said.
“Later, I had to call my childhood friend who is the Deputy Minister of foreign affairs in Georgia and the Ambassador. They then talked to the authorities after which I booked a new ticket. WFI, Tata Motors and team from Sporty Solutionz also helped me a lot”.
Shako is yet to inform his family about his arrival as he has been advised by the authorities not to. The Georgian government has taken strict measures to fight the global pandemic. They have completely locked down the country and any person found leaving the house would be heavily fined and jailed.
“I have not yet informed my family. They have suggested me not to until I am in quarantine. The condition here is serious. The government has taken strict measures to stop the virus from spreading”. “They have shut all the places and have urged people to stay home. If anyone is seen leaving home without any reason will be fined and put behind bars for three years”.
Considering the current situation, Shako is unclear about his return or about the training schedule to prepare for the Olympics. He believes things will get clear once the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach takes a decision on the Tokyo Games future within next four weeks.
“I do not know when will I return to India. For me, Bajrang winning the Olympics is the top priority but with the current scenario, things are unclear. We [Bajrang and I] will make a plan only after Thomas Bach takes a decision on the Olympics. But I think the Tokyo Games should be postponed”.
Bajrang has also called for the postponement of the Tokyo Games. In a conversation with Indian Express, the 2018 Asian Games gold medallist said that life is more important, Olympics can wait.
