Vinesh Phogat Receives Heroic Homecoming After Paris Olympics Battle

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat received a jubilant welcome in her village post-Paris Olympics. Despite being disqualified for a minor weight breach, she made a historic finals appearance. Crowds cheered her emotional return, underlining her status as a celebrated athlete. Announcing her retirement, Vinesh bid a heartfelt farewell to wrestling.

In a deeply emotional homecoming, former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was warmly welcomed in Imlota village, Bhiwani, following a bittersweet Paris Olympics campaign. Despite becoming the first Indian women's wrestler to reach the finals, Vinesh was disqualified due to a minor weight breach.

Thousands turned out to greet the athlete as if she had secured a medal. Her arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi National Airport was met with an ecstatic crowd, garlands, and flowers. Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia also attended the fervent reception, where Vinesh became emotional and broke into tears.

Vinesh's disqualification occurred just before the women's 50kg final when she was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit. Her petition for a joint silver was dismissed, leading her to announce her retirement on August 8. A heartfelt message accompanied her retirement announcement, expressing her gratitude and sadness.

(With inputs from agencies.)