Vinesh Phogat Receives Hero's Welcome Despite Olympic Heartbreak

Vinesh Phogat returned to India to a hero's welcome despite her disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024. Greeted by hundreds of fans at Delhi airport, the emotional wrestler thanked supporters. Despite the heartbreak, Phogat's status as a champion remains intact in the eyes of her countrymen.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat returned home to an emotional reception at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday, August 17, 2024, following her heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite the setback, Phogat was greeted by hundreds of fans, demonstrating that her champion status remains undiminished in the eyes of her countrymen.

The 29-year-old wrestler was visibly moved by the outpouring of support, breaking down in tears upon seeing the crowd. Fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik were present to console and support her. Heavily garlanded, Phogat stood in an open Jeep, thanking her supporters with folded hands, saying, "I thank the entire country."

Phogat's Olympic journey ended in unprecedented circumstances when she was found 100 grams overweight on August 7, the day of her historic gold medal bout in the women's 50kg wrestling category. This led to her disqualification and the nullification of her previous day's achievements, which included a victory against four-time world champion Yui Susaki of Japan.

Despite appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal, the verdict on Wednesday went against Phogat, dismissing her plea. In a heartfelt social media post, she expressed her disappointment but also her gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey.

Also Read: CAS Rejects Jordan Chiles' Appeal, Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Fate Uncertain

The wrestler's return home marks the end of a challenging 10-day period filled with intense emotions. However, the warm reception she received serves as a reminder of her enduring status as a champion in Indian sports.

As Phogat heads to her village Balali in Haryana, accompanied by a large caravan of supporters, her future in wrestling remains uncertain. Yet, her fighting spirit and the unwavering support of her fans suggest that this may not be the end of her inspiring journey in the sport.