'Welcome Home': Sporting Community Pays Tribute to Vinesh Phogat’s Grit Upon Her Return To India

After enduring a tough string of battles both on the wrestling mat and away in front of the CAS, Vinesh Phogat has returned home and received a rousing welcome at Delhi's IGI Airport. With all that had transpired in the last two weeks, Phogat could not hide tears as emotions got the better of her. Phogat had a swashbuckling campaign right till the semi-final at the Paris Olympics, guaranteeing herself a medal in the process- at least a Silver. However, all her victories went in vain as she was disqualified due to being assessed overweight on the day of her final. Although she lost the chance to win the Gold medal for the country and also had to endure the setback from the CAS, the nation hails her for the grit and persistence she showcased in the fight to get her victories recorded.

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Nation Salutes Grit of Vinesh Phogat

Many known individuals from the sports fraternity and other walks of life supported Vinesh Phogat during her tough phase, and as she returned home social media sphere got filled with messages displaying more power to her. Here are a few of the many reactions.

Celebrated wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Saturday received a grand welcome on her return to the country with hundreds of supporters gathering outside the IGI airport, showing immense solidarity with her. Stars such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and panchayat leaders received Vinesh, who endured a heartbreaking exit at the Paris Olympics where she was disqualified for being overweight on the day of her 50kg final.

Heavily garlanded, Vinesh stood in an open Jeep and thanked all the supporters. "I thank the entire country," she said, her hands folded in humility. There was a thick security cover as Phogat, who was found 100 grams overweight, landed in the national capital. Vinesh's caravan left for her native village Balali in Haryana and on the way she met her supporters, positioned at different spots. A group of 50 followed her jeep. They offered prayers at a temple in Delhi's Dwarka before continuing their journey towards Balali. Vinesh had stayed back in Paris after challenging her disqualification in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and demanding a joint silver. The application was dismissed on Wednesday.

"She has come back to her country after such a long time. She is very emotional also. She will spend time with family and calm herself. What Vinesh has done for women is praiseworthy. She might not have received a medal, but she is a champion for us," said Sakshi Malik. London Olympics bronze medal-winning shooter Gagan Narang, who was the chief de mission of the Indian contingent in Paris, called her a champion, posting a photo with Phogat at the Paris airport. Both of them were on the same flight to Delhi.

(With inputs from PTI)