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

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Nation Salutes Grit of Vinesh Phogat

Many known individuals from sports fraternity and or 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 many reactions.

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

Heavily garlanded, Vinesh stood in an open Jeep and thanked all supporters. "I thank entire country," she said, her hands folded in humility. re was a thick security cover as Phogat, who was found 100 grams overweight, landed in national capital. Vinesh's caravan left for her native village Balali in Haryana and on way she met her supporters, positioned at different spots. A group of 50 followed her jeep. y offered prayers at a temple in Delhi's Dwarka before continuing ir journey towards Balali. Vinesh h stayed back in Paris after challenging her disqualification in Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and demanding a joint silver. 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 chief de mission of Indian contingent in Paris, called her a champion, posting a photo with Phogat at Paris airport. Both of m were on same flight to Delhi.

(With inputs from PTI)