Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat returned to a hero’s welcome at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Saturday, despite the disappointment of being disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to being overweight.
Phogat, who was found to be 100 grams overweight on the day of her 50kg final bout, had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal. However, her appeal was dismissed on Wednesday.
Despite the setback, Phogat was greeted by a thick security cover and a crowd of supporters at the airport. London Olympics bronze medal-winning shooter Gagan Narang, who was the chief de mission of the Indian contingent in Paris, hailed Phogat as a champion.
“She came as a champion on day 1 into the games village and she will always remain our champion. Sometimes one doesn’t need an Olympic medal to inspire a billion dreams.. @vineshphogat you have inspired generations. Salute to your grit,” Narang posted on social media.
Phogat’s brother, Harvinder, expressed his pride in his sister’s achievements. “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 exciting to meet Vinesh and encourage her,” he said.
Phogat is expected to receive a grand welcome at her native village in Balali, Haryana. Her return to India serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes, who continue to inspire the nation even in the face of adversity.
