She was greeted with garlands, including a unique garland made of money, and she was seen taking selfies with young fans.
The atmosphere was a mix of celebration and support, reflecting the deep admiration her community holds for her, despite the recent setback.
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Vinesh had returned home from Paris on Saturday, landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, visibly distraught and in tears.
A robust security presence accompanied her arrival, with family, friends, and fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik there to offer her support.
“Vinesh is returning to the country. People have come here at the airport to welcome her. People are also waiting to welcome her at our village. They are excited to meet Vinesh and encourage her,” her brother Harvinder Phogat said.
Earlier this month, Vinesh was disqualified from the 50kg freestyle final for being just 100 grams overweight on the day of her gold-medal match.
She stayed in Paris to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking a shared silver medal, but her appeal was rejected.
Despite this, her return was marked by an outpouring of love and respect from the nation. “I thank the entire country; I am very fortunate to receive so much love,” Vinesh said upon her arrival.
In a heartfelt social media post following her disqualification, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling, expressing deep sorrow and gratitude.
“Mom wrestling won against me, I lost… I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024,” she wrote, signalling the end of her illustrious career.
In a recent social media post, she reflected on her retirement, acknowledging that it came under “different circumstances”.
“Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032, because the fight in me and wrestling in me will always be there. I can’t predict what the future holds for me, and what awaits me in this journey next, but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing,” she wrote in an open letter.
