Watch: Vinesh Phogat Receives Hero's Welcome From Fans At Delhi Airport, Breaks Down
Former India wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrived in New Delhi on Saturday, following her disqualification from the just-concluded Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday, August 17, with thousands gathered outside to welcome her. Vinesh's family members, including her mother, had arrived at the airport hours before the wrestler's arrival. In view of Vinesh Phogat coming to India on Saturday, security was tightened at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Vinesh is also scheduled to leave for her village, Balali, later in the day.
Upon her arrival, thousands, including fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, gathered at the airport to welcome her. In a viral video, Vinesh broke down in tears seeing her family and close ones.
"I thank all the countrymen, I am very fortunate," said Vinesh.
#WATCH | Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat breaks down as she arrives at Delhi's IGI Airport from Paris after participating in the #Olympics2024Paris. pic.twitter.com/ec73PQn7jG
Vinesh had assured India of a medal after reaching the final of the Women's 50kg event at the Paris Olympics 2024. However, in a heartbreaking twist of tale, 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).
On the eve of her arrival in India, Vinesh had expressed her deep sorrow over missing out on the Olympic podium, linking her personal disappointment to the broader struggle for women's rights in India, which she had championed in her protests against the former wrestling federation chief.
In a three-page letter