Emotional Homecoming for Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling sensation, was overcome with emotion as she received a hero's welcome at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The crowd of supporters, family members, and security personnel greeted her with cheers and applause, moving her to tears. Phogat's journey in Paris was marked by challenges, including being 100 grams overweight on the day of her bout, which affected her performance. Despite this, she remained in Paris to appeal for a joint silver medal, which was later dismissed. 

The emotional welcome was a testament to Phogat's resilience and the respect she commands in the sporting community. Fans waited for hours to catch a glimpse of her, and her family members were present to show their unwavering support. Gagan Narang, London Olympics bronze medalist, praised Phogat's enduring spirit, saying she inspires generations. "She came as a champion on day one 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," he wrote.

Phogat's return serves as a reminder that true champions are not defined by medals alone, but by their grit, determination, and the impact they have on others. Her journey continues to inspire fans and future athletes across the nation, showing that setbacks and failures are an essential part of growth and success. As Phogat navigates her next steps, her fans and supporters will be eagerly watching, knowing that she will always be a champion in their eyes.

In an emotional post on social media, Phogat shared her childhood dream, the hardships she faced after losing her father, and the contribution made by people in her extraordinary journey that ended in heartbreak in Paris. "....all I want to say is that we did not give up, our efforts did not stop, and we did not surrender but the clock stopped and the time was not fair. So was my fate," she wrote. Phogat also thanked the entire country for their support, saying, "I thank the entire country." She was consoled by teammates and friends Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, who gave her a champion's welcome. The huge caravan will follow Vinesh to her village Balali in Haryana, where she will be celebrated as a hero.