Despite being unable to win a medal, Vinesh Phogat received a grand welcome on her return to India. Notably, her village folks organised a special celebration to welcome their star.
Vinesh Phogat's inspiring journey to the finals of the 50 Kg category of women's wrestling in the Paris Olympics 2024 won the heart of every Indian. But her abrupt disqualification after being 100 gms overweight took away Vinesh's opportunity to get an Olympic medal. Vinesh's hard work, grit, and determination resonate with those who consider her as a winner. After many happenings, the Indian wrestler returned to India from Paris and received a grand welcome on her return like no other, which left her surprised. Moreover, another special welcome awaited the champion as Vinesh made her way to her village, Balali, in Haryana.
Vinesh Phogat hails from the Balali village in Haryana's Charkhi Dadri district. She returned from Paris to her village via Delhi. Although she couldn't bring home a medal, her impressive performance won her the love and admiration of the people. She received a grand welcome at the airport, and later, people lined up the streets of highway, and she made her way towards her village.
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Apart from the crowds cheering and appreciating her, the village folks made special arrangements to welcome Vinesh. They prepared 750 kg of desi ghee laddoos, voluntarily gave money and organised a program to facilitate their champion. Different villagers prepared different things like expensive garlands, pagdi, and sword for her. In addition, even the village's watchman, Sanjay Chowkidar, contributed Rs. 100 for Vinesh, who grew up around the streets of Balali. He was quoted as saying:
"She was like my daughter. When I used to take my round at night, she would often tell me, 'uncle, you are so brave'. See now, who turned out to be brave? She is the bravest girl in the world and the strongest too."
Vinesh's journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 ended in an undesired way. But she did inspire a lot of young girls. The community elders in her village organised a special felicitation, and she was presented with a gold medal. Although the ceremony was held past midnight when she returned from a long drive from Delhi, a massive crowd attended the event. The two-time world champion medalist addressed the people at the event and said:
"It would be disappointing if no wrestler emerged from this village. We have paved the way, given hope with our achievements. I request you all to support the women in this village. They need your support, hope and trust if they have to replace us in future. I would like to share with my sisters from this village and I wish they achieve greater heights than me. I can then say with pride that she is from my village and I have trained her. I want that (my) records are broken by wrestlers from this village. Thank you all for staying up so late in the night for me."
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After a heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024, Vinesh applied for a joint silver medal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, her case was dismissed. After the judgment, Vinesh shared a long note on her X handle, recalling her journey to wrestling. She expressed her gratitude towards her family, support staff, and coaches while describing her struggles. The wrestler has announced her retirement from wrestling. However, she did mention in her note that she can't predict the future and how her career will progress. But she will continue to fight for the right thing.
What do you think about Vinesh's grand welcome in her village on her return from the Paris Olympics 2024?
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