Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who endured a heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics wrestling final, was met with an overwhelming show of support upon her return to India, a moment she described as more precious than any Olympic medal. The 29-year-old wrestler expressed her deep gratitude to the people of India for standing by her during one of the most challenging periods of her career.
The emotional homecoming saw Vinesh heavily garlanded by her supporters. Overwhelmed by the sight of the massive crowd, Vinesh broke down in tears, her emotions reflecting the intensity of the moment. In an open jeep, she made her way through the national capital, thanking her supporters with folded hands, her humility and gratitude evident in every gesture. The journey continued from Delhi to her native village, Balali, in Haryana, with a convoy of 50 supporters following her jeep. The group made a stop at a temple in Delhi’s Dwarka to offer prayers before continuing towards Balali.
“The love and the respect that I have received is worth more than 1,000 Gold medals,” Vinesh said, as quoted by PTI. She conveyed that the outpouring of affection and solidarity from Indian fans brought her immense joy and satisfaction, surpassing any of her wrestling achievements.
Upon her arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Vinesh was greeted by hundreds of supporters, showcasing their unwavering support and admiration for the celebrated athlete. Stars like Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and several panchayat leaders were present to welcome her, standing in solidarity with the wrestler who faced an unexpected and heartbreaking disqualification in Paris due to being overweight by just 100 grams on the day of her 50kg final.
In her first public reaction following her disqualification at the Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat expressed uncertainty about her future in wrestling. The determined athlete revealed that under “different circumstances,” she could have seen herself competing until 2032, as she still feels she has a lot left to offer. However, the recent turn of events has left her unsure, stating that “things might never be the same again.”
After her disqualification, Vinesh announced her retirement from the sport. In an emotional social media post, she reflected on her childhood dream of becoming a champion, the hardships she endured after losing her father, and the many people who contributed to her extraordinary journey—a journey that ultimately ended in heartbreak in Paris.
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