Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrived at Delhi’s IGI Airport on Saturday, returning from the Paris Olympics where she faced disappointment. Despite being disqualified for being overweight after reaching the 50kg final, Phogat was met with a warm reception, highlighting the respect and admiration she has earned from her supporters.
Phogat expressed her gratitude upon her return, saying, “I thank all the countrymen, I am very fortunate.” Her arrival was marked by a heavy security presence due to her recent disqualification for being 100 grams over the weight limit. She had stayed in Paris longer to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a joint silver medal, but her appeal was rejected.
Gagan Narang, the chief de mission for the Indian team in Paris and a London Olympics bronze medalist, praised Phogat as a champion and shared a photo of them together at the Paris airport. Both Narang and Phogat were on the same flight back to Delhi.
Phogat’s brother, Harvinder Phogat, mentioned the excitement surrounding her return: “Vinesh is returning to the country. People have come here at the (Delhi) airport to welcome her. People are also waiting to welcome her at our village. People are excited to meet Vinesh and encourage her.”
Phogat will also receive a grand welcome at her home village of Balali in Haryana.