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Is Delta still offering elite challenges (a la AA)?

I ask specifically because I will be travelling to Israel, Singapore, and Australia this summer, which if not covered by Delta will be covered by Delta partners.

I called Delta Skymiles center, spent about 15 minutes talking to someone in India who kept trying to get me to purchase a ticket ("I'm not interested in a reservation, I'm calling about a CHALLENGE TO ELITE STATUS" -- "What departure city?" --- AGH), before finally getting transferred to a US Call Center, spending another 30 minutes on hold and then being told that there is no challenge program. Incidentally, I did mention I was a United Premier.

I was offered to get my status matched, however I'm more interested in a challenge because I will be flying well over 10,000 miles --> Gold Elite versus Silver Elite by a 2P United Match.