Medal-winning wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrived to a warm, tearful reception at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday after her disastrous campaign at the Paris Olympics.
As Vinesh came out of the airport premises, a group of fans, family, and friends who had reached there in the wee hours raised loud cheers, welcoming the sports personality. Overwhelmed by such spontaneous and touching goodwill, the wrestling sensation burst into tears.
Among the first to greet her were Sakshi Malik, who had retired from wrestling last year, and Bajrang Punia. A poignant moment saw Vinesh and Sakshi—both have faced enormous challenges in their respective careers—share a warm hug and burst into tears as they contemplated the struggles they have shared.
Sakshi Malik, who won a bronze at 2016 Rio Olympics, took to 'X,' "Welcome back champion @vineshphogat." Boxer Vijender Singh, a bronze medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, also came out and tweeted, "Once a champion always a champion #Vineshphogat.
Friday saw Vinesh saying that she was devastated at missing the Olympic podium and linked her personal disappointment to the larger women's rights struggle in India, for which she had protested against the former wrestling federation chief.
Vinesh Biharnati shared the three-page heartfelt letter on social media, hinting at coming back to the sport, despite earlier calling curtains after disqualification from the women's freestyle 50kg gold medal bout earlier this month.
Vinesh was ruled out of the gold medal contest after she failed to make the weight category in time for the weigh-in and had her appeal to CAS for a joint silver medal dismissed on Wednesday.
