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Vinesh Phogat, a celebrated Indian wrestler, received a grand welcome upon her return from the Paris Olympics, despite facing disqualification due to being overweight in the 50kg final. Her journey back to her native village, Balali, was marked by outpourings of support, with hundreds of fans gathering at the airport and along the 135km route. The journey, lasting nearly 13 hours, was punctuated by felicitations from supporters and 'khap' panchayats in several villages.
Upon arriving in Balali, Vinesh was honored with a gold medal by community elders, signifying their recognition of her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The village, which had promised a grand welcome, delivered on its word, with a massive crowd gathering to celebrate her homecoming, even extending into the late hours of the night.
Overwhelmed by the reception, Vinesh expressed her pride and gratitude, emphasizing that it would be an honor to train women wrestlers from Balali, hoping they would surpass her achievements. She acknowledged the disappointment of her disqualification, which sparked controversy in India and the wrestling world, and the rejection of her appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Vinesh, known for her two World Championship medals, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, and an Asian Games championship, reiterated her commitment to sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring wrestlers from Balali. She expressed a desire to see future generations break her records, ensuring that Balali continues to produce world-class wrestlers. Her message of support, hope, and trust resonated with the crowd, reinforcing the bond between the athlete and her community.
The reception Vinesh received serves as a testament to her enduring popularity and the unwavering support of her community. Despite the disappointment of her disqualification, she remains a symbol of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly in her village, Balali, where her legacy will continue to shape the future of wrestling. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of wrestlers is a testament to her commitment to the sport and her belief in the potential of her community.
Source: Vinesh Phogat Gets Gold Medal On Return To Village From Paris Olympics 2024. Watch