Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was declared disqualified in the 50-kg final wrestle from the recent Paris games, was awarded a gold medal by the Sarvkhap Panchayat here on Sunday.
"My fight has not ended, it has rather just begun. The fight for our daughters' honour has just started. We said the same thing during our sit-in," Phogat said while addressing an event organized to felicitate her.
She was part of the agitation by wrestlers, mostly from Haryana, against the then Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP leader Brijbhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment last year.
"When I could not play in Paris, I thought I was very unfortunate but after returning to India and experiencing all the love and support here, I feel that I am very fortunate," she said.
Phogat said such a gesture will also encourage other women sportspersons that their communities are there to support them even in their lean phase.
"I will forever be indebted for this honour which is above any medal," she added.
Phogat, who hails from Haryana's Balali, had a heartbreaking exit after being disqualified on the day of her 50-kg final match at the Paris Olympics.
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