Guwahati: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024, received a warm and emotional welcome upon her return to India. The 29-year-old athlete, who missed out on an Olympic medal due to a minor weight discrepancy, was honored by her native village with a symbolic gold medal and cash rewards.
A Disappointing Turn of Events at Paris Olympics 2024
Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 came to an unfortunate end when she was disqualified from the final bout of the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling event. On the morning of the gold medal match, Phogat was found to be 100 grams overweight, leading to her disqualification. This marked a heartbreaking conclusion to her third Olympic appearance.
Despite her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) to award her a joint silver medal, the court dismissed her plea on August 18, after postponing the decision multiple times.
A Hero’s Welcome and an Emotional Homecoming
Following the conclusion of her Olympic campaign, Vinesh Phogat arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Saturday morning. Her journey back to her native village, Balali, in Haryana turned into a 13-hour odyssey, as villagers and supporters flocked to greet the wrestling star along the 135 km route.
Upon reaching Balali, Vinesh was honored with a gold medal by her supporters and local ‘Khap’ Panchayats. The gesture was a symbolic recognition of her dedication and the village’s pride in her achievements. An emotional Vinesh addressed the gathering, expressing that even 1000 Olympic gold medals could not compare to the honor she received from her people.
Cash Prizes and Token of Affection
In addition to the gold medal, Vinesh Phogat received a cash reward of ₹21,000 from the stage, along with smaller contributions of ₹100 and ₹500 announced by individuals in the crowd. She was also adorned with a necklace made of Indian rupee notes, symbolizing the love and respect her community holds for her.
Support from Fellow Athletes and Leaders
The reception at the airport included notable figures such as fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia, a bronze medalist from the 2020 Tokyo and 2016 Rio Olympics, and Sakshi Malik, as well as Congress MP Deepender Hooda. Their presence underscored the solidarity and support within the Indian wrestling community.
Vinesh Phogat’s Legacy and Retirement
The Paris Games marked Vinesh Phogat’s third and final Olympic appearance. Following her disqualification, the wrestler took to social media to announce her retirement from the sport. Despite the disappointing end to her Olympic journey, Vinesh’s legacy as one of India’s most accomplished wrestlers remains intact, and her emotional homecoming serves as a testament to the deep respect she commands in her community.
