Vinesh Phogat’s Emotional Return from Paris Olympics

New Delhi [India], August 17: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat held a roadshow in the national capital on Saturday after returning from the Paris Olympics. She was joined by fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, as well as Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda.

Warm Welcome at the Airport

Earlier on Saturday, Vinesh arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi National Airport to a rousing reception. Fans showered her with flower petals, and she expressed her gratitude, saying, “I thank all the countrymen, I am very fortunate.”

Emotional Moments

Vinesh became emotional and broke down in tears during the reception. She had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final of an Olympics. However, she was disqualified from the 50 kg gold medal bout for being 100 grams overweight. Her petition to be awarded a joint silver was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.

Retirement Announcement

Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling on August 8, a day after her disqualification. Despite this, she left a small window open for a possible return to competitive wrestling in an emotional note she penned on Friday.

Support from Fellow Wrestlers

Sakshi Malik praised Vinesh, saying, “What Vinesh has done for the country, very few people do it. She should get more respect and appreciation.” Bajrang Punia added, “The countrymen are giving her tremendous love, you can see how the country welcomed her.”

Personal Struggles

Vinesh shared her journey from a small village girl who didn’t know what the Olympics were, to becoming a celebrated wrestler. She spoke about her father, a bus driver who passed away when she was young, and her mother, who is battling stage three cancer. Vinesh’s story has touched many hearts, symbolized by the huge reception she received upon her return.