NEW DELHI: Vinesh Phogat, a renowned wrestler, received a grand welcome upon her arrival at the Delhi Airport on Saturday. Accompanied by fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, as well as Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, Vinesh participated in a roadshow following her arrival in the national capital.
In an interview with ANI, Vinesh expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am grateful for this love and respect I have received from my countrymen."
Bajrang Punia emphasized that Vinesh was being celebrated as a champion, acknowledging the nation's witness to her journey from the streets to the podium. He conveyed his appreciation to the people for their unwavering support.
Sakshi Malik highlighted the significance of the day and commended Vinesh's contributions to women and the nation as a whole. She expressed her hope that people would continue to hold Vinesh in high regard, affirming, "Today is a big day. What Vinesh has done for all the women and the nation is commendable. I just hope the people will continue to respect her... for us, she is an Olympic champion."
Vinesh, a trailblazing Indian woman wrestler, made history by reaching the Olympic final in Paris. However, her dreams were shattered when she was disqualified from the 50 kg gold medal bout due to being 100 gms over the weight limit.
Despite her efforts to seek a joint silver medal through a petition to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), her appeal was dismissed on Wednesday. The devastating outcome led to her announcement of retirement from wrestling on August 8, just a day after the disqualification.
Upon her return to Delhi, a massive crowd of fans gathered at the airport to welcome the 29-year-old athlete. As a gesture of admiration and support, they showered her with flower petals, acknowledging her remarkable journey and the impact she has made in the world of Indian wrestling.
On August 8, Vinesh penned an emotional to announce her decision to retire from wrestling. "Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness," Phogat said in her post.
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