Vinesh Phogat Receives Hero's Welcome in Delhi

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat received a grand and emotional welcome upon her return to India after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams. Fans and supporters, including Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda and fellow Olympians Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, greeted her at Delhi's IGI Airport with garlands, flowers, and chants of 'Champion Vinesh'. The reception continued throughout her journey to her hometown in Haryana, where panchayats and villagers honored her with traditional celebrations. Despite her disqualification, Vinesh expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and stated that the love she received was more valuable than winning any gold medal. The Haryana government announced it would treat her as an Olympic silver medallist, and there were discussions about her potential nomination to the Rajya Sabha. Vinesh's appeal for a joint silver medal was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.