As Coronavirus continues to play havoc globally, Indian Women’s Wrestling foreign coach Andrew Cook has returned home. As per his conversation with WrestlingTV, Cook was worried about the well-being of his family and decided to go back. Not only this, Cook was also worried about his own well being as after the suspension of the national camp, he was staying alone at the Lucknow campus of Sports Authority of India.
“Yes, I am back home. My parents live in Hoquiam. Since the state has been affected the most by the virus and my father has a respiratory problem, I decided to return home to be with my parents. Moreover I was all alone at Lucknow SAI hostel and was concerned about my well being as well”, he told WrestlingTV.
Also Read: UWW President writes letter to all National Federation, Check what it says
Cook left last nght for Hoquiam in Washington. According to him, he will attend to his ailing father who is suffering from lung infection. For now, Cook is unsure when he will return but has no problem in complying with the Indian travel advisory for travelers who will return from the virus-hit countries. According to the advisory, the Indian government had suspended all the visas until April 15. Also, it will quarantine travelers returning from one of the countries which have been affected by the pandemic.
“I have a work visa. Therefore, I do not think there should be any problem upon arrival. Yes, I may be put in quarantine for a few days and I have no problem with that. It is for my and others safety,” he said.
Not only Cook, but another foreign coach Shako Bentinidis who works with Bajrang Punia is also concerned with the situation and for his family in Georgia. Shako who is deputed by the Wrestling Federation of India with a support of Tata Motors for Punia is in two minds whether to stay back in India or to go back and attend to his family.
“Coronavirus has really created issues. I am really concerned about my family in Georgia, my wife is calling every hour. But if I leave now, I don’t know how I can return under the current circumstances” said the Georgian.
Under these circumstances and with Coronavirus scare all around the coaching plans of Indian wrestlers have gone haywire. No one has a clue on the next steps and the way forward.
