From Delhi protests to Vinesh Phogat’s homecoming, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik always stood by iconic wrestler

Chandigarh, August 17

On arrival, loud cheers and overwhelming support from fans at the Delhi airport on Saturday moved wrestler Vinesh Phogat.

The emotional homecoming after Paris Olympics heartbreak was too much for her that she broke down into tears.

As Vinesh exited the airport, fans, family, and friends, who had gathered in large numbers despite the early hours, celebrated and welcomed her with loud cheers.

But emotions ran high as Vinesh met Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, who were among the first to welcome her home.

In a poignant moment, Vinesh and Sakshi, both of whom have faced immense challenges in their careers, embraced each other and broke down in tears.

Sharing the weight of their struggles, Punia, Malik, and Phogat had for a year engaged in protests, advocating for the apprehension of Brij Bhushan on allegations of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The BJP leader has held the position of WFI chief since 2012.

Later, Sakshi, the 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallist, wrote on ‘X', “Welcome back champion @vineshphogat.”

Boxer Vijender Singh, who clinched a bronze medal in 2008 Beijing Olympics, was also at the airport to receive Vinesh. “Once a champion always a champion #Vineshphogat,” Vijender posted on ‘X.'

Vinesh could not make weight-in and she weighted 100 gms more leading to her disqualification from the gold medal game.

Vinesh had later appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medalm, but was dismissed on Wednesday.