2024-08-20 11:00:45
New Delhi: Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified before the final wrestling match at the Paris Olympics, returned to her homeland on Saturday. She reached Delhi airport at around 11 am. Here people welcomed her with drums. After this, Vinesh took out a 125 km long road show from Delhi airport to her native village Balali. On the way, Vinesh Phogat was welcomed by Khap Panchayats and villagers at about 100 places. After a road show that lasted for about 13 hours, she reached her native village Balali at 12 o’clock on Sunday night. She first bowed her head at the Hanuman temple. Vinesh was honored by the villagers and many social organizations in the village sports stadium. Vinesh’s health deteriorated on the stage. After this, Vinesh addressed the people while sitting on a chair. After receiving a grand welcome on her return to India from the Paris Olympics, wrestler Vinesh Phogat has said that her fight for the betterment of Indian wrestling will continue and truth will prevail. Vinesh, who was disqualified for being overweight after reaching the 50kg final at the Olympics, was given a rousing welcome when she arrived on Saturday. Vinesh had appealed against her disqualification in the Court of Arbitration for Sports. But its ad hoc division had rejected it.
Our fight is not over- Vinesh Phogat
Addressing her fans, Vinesh said, “Our fight is not over. The fight will continue and I pray to God that truth will prevail.” Vinesh and her fellow Olympians Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik have been protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for over a year over the alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers.
I don’t know if I will return to wrestling or not…
Six wrestlers including Vinesh sat on a dharna at Jantar Mantar last year demanding action against the former WFI president. Vinesh also said that the way she was given a grand welcome has inspired her to move forward. The 29-year-old wrestler said, ‘The love I got from my countrymen, my village and family members will help me overcome this setback. I can return to wrestling.’ She said, ‘Missing the Olympic medal is the biggest setback of my life. I don’t know how long it will take me to recover from this. I want to use the courage I have got today in the right direction.’
Vinesh showered love on her village with all her heart
Vinesh said, ‘I consider myself very lucky that I was born in such a village. Today I have been able to play my role in repaying the debt of the village. I want that every house in the village should have a sister who breaks my wrestling records. I will help my sisters in whatever way I can and I will also play the role of a coach.