Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat landed in New Delhi on Saturday, following her disqualification from the just concluded Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday, August 17, with thousands of people gathering outside to welcome her. Vinesh’s family members, including her mother, had arrived at the airport hours before the wrestler’s arrival.
There was a thick security cover as Vinesh landed in the national capital. Seeing thousands of fans cheering her name, the 29-year-old Indian wrestler could not hold back her tears and broke down. She was consoled by teammates and friends Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik.
“I thank all the countrymen, I am very fortunate,” said Vinesh.
Last 10 days had been the hardest in Vinesh Phogat’s life. She had gone through every possible emotion and beyond, an ordeal that no other sportsperson would like to go through but she is finally back home. Vinesh Phogat was a champion, is a champion, and will always remain a champion – that’s what those at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi made her feel when she landed Saturday morning from Paris.
Vinesh ensured India of a medal after reaching the final of the Women’s 50kg event at the Paris Olympics in 2024. However, in a devastating turn of events, Vinesh was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the second weigh-in on the day of her gold medal match. She had also requested to be awarded a joint silver medal, but her plea was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
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Source: NDTV Sports
