Source – PTI
Overwhelmed by the grand reception she received on her arrival from the Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat said it would be a matter of great pride for her if she could train women wrestlers from her village Balali and they become more successful than her.
On her way to Balali from Delhi, Vinesh was felicitated by her supporters and ‘khap’ panchayats in several villages, with the 135km-long journey taking her almost 13 hours on Saturday.
This was after hundreds of supporters gathered outside the IGI airport to give a rousing welcome to Vinesh, who was disqualified for being overweight after reaching the 50kg final at the Olympics.
Her disqualification had created a furore in India and the wrestling world.
Vinesh’s appeal against her disqualification was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Vinesh, 29, reached her native village around midnight and was accorded a grand welcome. Her neighbours and friends met her with tears and smiles and patted her for the courage she has shown.
Exhausted after a tiring journey that began in Paris, Vinesh addressed the gathering before calling it a day.
The two-time World Championships medallist wished that someone from Balali would better her wrestling achievements.
“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,” Vinesh said.
Photograph Credit : ANI