Vinesh Phogat Receives Heroic Welcome in Delhi After Paris Olympics
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, Joined by Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, Holds Emotional Roadshow
New Delhi — Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was greeted with a grand welcome in the national capital on Saturday, following her return from the Paris Olympics. The roadshow, held in her honor, saw the participation of fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda.
Sakshi Malik praised Vinesh, saying, "What Vinesh has done for the country, very few people can achieve. She deserves more respect and appreciation." Bajrang Punia echoed this sentiment, adding, "The countrymen are giving her tremendous love, as evident by the warm reception she received."
Vinesh Phogat arrived at Indira Gandhi National Airport in Delhi earlier on Saturday, where fans and supporters showered her with flowers. The Haryana-born wrestler, who became the first Indian female wrestler to reach the final of the Paris Olympics, was visibly emotional and broke down in tears upon exiting the airport.
Despite her historic achievement, Vinesh was disqualified from the 50kg gold medal bout for being 100 grams overweight. Her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to be awarded a joint silver medal was rejected on Wednesday. A day after her disqualification on August 8, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling.
A massive crowd gathered at the Delhi airport to welcome the 29-year-old athlete, celebrating her journey and contributions to Indian sports.
