Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Saturday, August 17th, after participating in the Paris Olympics 2024. The emotional welcome she received reflected the nation’s admiration for her performance despite a heartbreaking disqualification. Tears streamed down her face as she was greeted by a throng of supporters, including prominent figures like Congress MP Deepender Hooda, fellow wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, and countless others.
Earlier that morning, Phogat’s family, friends, and fans eagerly awaited her arrival, their excitement palpable. Videos surfaced online showcasing their jubilant celebrations, filled with music and dance, marking the 29-year-old athlete’s return to India.
Vinesh Phogat had secured a place in the finals of the 50 Kg women’s freestyle wrestling competition at the Paris Olympics, after a triumphant victory in the semi-final. However, a heartbreaking turn of events unfolded as she was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by a mere 100 grams.
Determined to fight for what she believed was rightfully hers, Phogat approached the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on August 7th, requesting a silver medal. Unfortunately, the CAS dismissed her application. Following this setback, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced that they were exploring further legal options.
On August 16th, Vinesh Phogat penned a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on her journey and expressing gratitude to all those who supported her along the way. In her message, she poignantly wrote, “Olympic rings: As a small girl from a small village, I did not know what the Olympics were or what these rings meant. As a small girl, I dream of things like long hair, flaunting a mobile phone in my hand, and doing all these things that any young girl would normally dream of.”
Phogat’s journey to becoming an Olympic athlete was a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit, forged in the face of adversity. She continued, “But survival taught me a lot. Seeing my mother’s hardships, never-give-up attitude, and fighting spirit is what makes me the way I am. She taught me to fight for what is rightfully mine. When I think about courage, I think about her, and it is this courage that helps me fight every fight without thinking about the outcome.”
She extended her heartfelt appreciation to individuals who played a pivotal role in her career, including Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Dr Wayne Patrick Lombard, Coach Woller Akos, Physio Ashwini Jeevan Patil, Tajinder Kaur, the Olympic Gold Quest team, and Gagan Narang.
Vinesh Phogat’s story is a powerful reminder of the dedication, perseverance, and resilience required to excel in the world of sports. While the outcome of the Paris Olympics was not what she had hoped for, her journey, her determination, and the emotional welcome she received upon her return to India showcase the unwavering spirit of a true champion.
