Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. After becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, her dreams were shattered when she was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight on the morning of the gold medal bout. Despite her disappointment, Vinesh has received an outpouring of support and adulation upon her return to India.
However, her husband, Somvir Rathee, has raised concerns about false claims of cash prizes being made by certain organizations. In a social media post, Rathee clarified that Vinesh has not received any money from these entities. He urged well-wishers to refrain from spreading false news, as it harms both Vinesh and social values.
Despite the setback, Vinesh was greeted with a grand welcome at the IGI airport in Delhi. Hundreds of supporters gathered to show their solidarity, including fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik. Vinesh expressed her gratitude for the support, saying, “I thank the entire country for support.”
Vinesh’s caravan then proceeded to her native village in Haryana, where she was met with more well-wishers. Congress leader Deepender Hooda presented her with a mace, a symbol of victory, which brought tears to her eyes.
Vinesh’s disqualification has sparked discussions about the strict weight regulations in wrestling. Some experts have argued that the 100-gram margin is too narrow and can lead to unfair disqualifications. Others have emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and maintaining a healthy weight.
Despite the controversy, Vinesh remains a role model for aspiring wrestlers and a source of inspiration for all Indians. Her resilience and determination have earned her the respect and admiration of the nation.
