Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was warmly welcomed in Imlota village, Bhiwani, Haryana, after her mixed Paris Olympics performance. Phogat made history as the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final, but was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit. Following a roadshow in Jhajjar and Sonipat districts, Vinesh continued her journey with close friends and family.
Despite missing out on a medal due to her disqualification, thousands of enthusiastic supporters greeted her as if she had won a medal. Crowds gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of one of India's most celebrated athletes and to take selfies with her. She was greeted with garlands and flowers.
Phogat arrived at Delhi's Indira Gandhi National Airport on Saturday to a warm reception. The Haryana-born wrestler was moved to tears at the airport, where Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia also came to welcome her. Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50kg final for being 100 grams over the weight limit during the weigh-in, where she was scheduled to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold medal.
After her disqualification, Phogat requested the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on August 7 to award her the silver medal, but her appeal was rejected. The day after her disqualification, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling, saddened by the turn of events. Phogat had secured her place in the final by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals with a 5-0 score.
Phogat, a key figure in the Indian wrestlers' protest against politician Brij Bhushan Singh over alleged sexual harassment incidents, began her Paris campaign strongly, defeating Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the round of 16. This was the only defeat in Susaki's illustrious career, who was not only the defending champion but also a three-time world champion in the 50 kg freestyle category and the current Asian champion.
