I thank the entire country: Vinesh Phogat arrives in India after Paris Olympics heartbreak

There was a thick security cover as Phogat, who was found 100 grams overweight, landed in the national capital

Vinesh Phogat received a grand welcome on her return to the country with hundreds of supporters gathering outside the IGI airport, showing immense solidarity with her on Saturday.

"I thank all the countrymen, I am very fortunate," said  Vinesh Phogat on her arrival from Paris after enduring a heartbreaking exit at the Paris Olympics where she was disqualified for being overweight on the day of her 50kg final. Congress MP Deepender Hooda, wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshee Malikkh and others welcomed her.

#WATCH | Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat breaks down as she arrives at Delhi's IGI Airport from Paris after participating in the #Olympics2024Paris. pic.twitter.com/T6LcZzO4tT

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Wrestler Sakshee Malikkh said, "What Vinesh has done for the country, very few people do it. She should get more respect and appreciation." Wrestler Bajrang Punia said, "The countrymen are giving her tremendous love, you can see how the country welcomed her"

Wrestler Satyawart Kadian said, "Vinesh was, is and will remain a fighter. She is a champion for us and we are leaving no stone unturned to welcome her like a champion. We are treating her as a gold medalist. She used to compete in the 53 kg category, why did she compete in the 50 kg category. This a big question as to what was the reason she shifted to the 50 Kg category."

Heavily garlanded, Vinesh stood in an open Jeep and thanked all the supporters.

Vinesh had to stay back in Paris after she had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a joint silver which was eventually dismissed on Wednesday. London Olympics bronze medal-winning shooter Gagan Narang, who was the chief de mission of the Indian contingent in Paris, called her a champion, posting a photo with Phogat at the Paris airport. Both of them were on the same flight to Delhi.There was a thick security cover as Phogat, who was found 100 grams overweight, landed in the national capital.

"She came as a champion on day 1 into the games village and she will always remain our champion. Sometimes one doesn’t need an Olympic medal to inspire a billion dreams.. @vineshphogat you have inspired generations. Salute to your grit," Narang posted on X.

"Vinesh is returning to the country. People have come here at the (Delhi) airport to welcome her. People are also waiting to welcome her at our village. People are exciting to meet Vinesh and encourage her," her brother Harvinder Phogat said.

*With Agency Inputs