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Vinesh Phogat, the celebrated Indian wrestler, received a grand homecoming after her heartbreaking exit at the Paris Olympics. Despite being disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by a mere 100 grams on the day of her 50kg final, Vinesh was greeted with an outpouring of love and support from her fellow countrymen, proving that her spirit and determination transcended the disappointment of the competition. Upon her arrival at the IGI airport in Delhi, hundreds of supporters welcomed her with cheers and the rhythmic beats of 'dhol'. Fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, along with Congress MP Deepender Hooda, were present to show their solidarity. Vinesh, visibly moved by the warm reception, stood in an open Jeep, garlanded and overwhelmed by the affection shown towards her.
As her caravan journeyed towards her native village Balali in Haryana, Vinesh was greeted by throngs of supporters stationed at different spots along the way. The love and respect showered upon her were palpable, with people lining the streets to express their admiration for the wrestler. Hooda presented Vinesh with a mace, a 'symbol of victory', further amplifying the celebratory atmosphere. However, it was the heartfelt words of her supporters that truly touched Vinesh's heart. They acknowledged her unwavering fighting spirit and hailed her as a champion despite her technical disqualification. Notably, Vinesh's disqualification was a contentious issue, sparking debates about the stringent weight regulations in the sport. She had challenged the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), demanding a joint silver medal, but her application was dismissed.
Despite the disappointment, Vinesh found solace in the overwhelming support from her people. She expressed her gratitude for the love and respect received, stating that it was more valuable than winning 1,000 Olympic gold medals. This sentiment was echoed by her fellow wrestlers and supporters, who emphasized that Vinesh's spirit and achievements extended far beyond the medals she might have won. Her journey, marked by hardship and resilience, served as an inspiration to countless individuals, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the power of human spirit. Although the disappointment of the Paris Olympics may have lingered, the overwhelming support from her home country provided Vinesh with the necessary comfort and reassurance to navigate this challenging time, reminding her of the profound impact she has had on the lives of millions. While her future in the sport remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Vinesh Phogat's legacy as a champion, an inspiration, and a true embodiment of the human spirit will endure.
Source: "More Than 1000 Olympic Gold Medals": Vinesh Phogat's Emotional Homecoming - Watch