Vinesh Phogat, India’s renowned grappler, will return to her homeland on August 17th after a disheartening experience at the Paris Olympics 2024. Her teammate, Bajrang Punia, announced her arrival via a social media post, stating she will land at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport at 10:00 am on Saturday.
The 29-year-old wrestler’s Olympic campaign was cut short when she was disqualified from her final bout in the 50 kg Freestyle Women Wrestling event. The reason? She exceeded the weight limit by a mere 100 grams. This disqualification not only ended her chances of securing a medal but also denied her a silver medal, which she later attempted to reclaim through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for the silver medal was rejected by the CAS on August 16th. The news came as a blow to the athlete who made a cryptic post on Independence Day after the CAS released its verdict. The IOA, in their statement following the CAS decision, expressed their disappointment and announced their commitment to exploring further legal options to support Vinesh Phogat and advocate for fairness and justice in sports. They emphasized their dedication to ensuring the rights and dignity of all athletes are upheld.
The wrestler’s return to India comes at a time of mixed emotions. While the disappointment of her Olympic campaign lingers, Vinesh Phogat continues to have the unwavering support of the IOA and the Indian sporting community. The journey ahead remains uncertain, but her resilience and determination have always been a source of inspiration for many.
