Vinesh Phogat Hailed as a Legend Upon Returning Home After CAS Dismisses Petition

Indian wrestling icon Vinesh Phogat made an emotional return to India following the dismissal of her appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The 29-year-old wrestler had sought a joint silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics after being disqualified from the women's 53kg freestyle final due to a marginal weight miss of just 100 grams.

As Vinesh arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, she was greeted by an overwhelming wave of support. Social media platforms lit up with messages of empathy and admiration, with many calling her a "legend" and celebrating her resilience in the face of adversity.

Social Media Erupts in Support for Vinesh Phogat

The response on social media was immediate and heartfelt. One user on X posted, “You are and always will be a legend,” while another wrote, “Welcome back, Vinesh Phogat champ.” A third user shared, “A smile emerges amidst the tears and struggle.

Vinesh Phogat returns home.” The sentiment was echoed by many, with another supporter welcoming her with the words, “Welcome home Bharat ki beti (Welcome home daughter of India).”

Vinesh was welcomed at the airport by fellow athletes, including Rio Games bronze medallist Sakshi Malik and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia. Her family, well-wishers, and even political leaders were present, underscoring the high regard in which she is held across the nation.

The Grueling Weight-Cutting Session Before Disqualification

The story behind Vinesh Phogat's disqualification is a testament to her determination and grit. According to her coach, Woller Akos, Vinesh underwent a rigorous weight-cutting session to shed the excess 100 grams that led to her disqualification. The night before the final match, upon learning she had missed the required weight mark, Vinesh took extreme measures to meet the criteria.

In a desperate attempt to qualify, she endured a five-hour weight-cutting session, drawing blood, drastically limiting her food and water intake, and even cutting her hair to shed every possible gram. Her coach affirmed that she did “everything possible” to make the cut, highlighting the lengths to which she went to compete.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Criticizes 'Inhumane' Regulations

Following the CAS decision to dismiss Phogat’s petition, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) strongly condemned the regulations as 'inhumane.' The IOA stated that it is "exploring further legal options" to address the issue, reflecting the broader outrage over the ruling and the circumstances that led to Vinesh's disqualification.

Conclusion

Vinesh Phogat's return to India after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed her petition has been marked by an outpouring of support and admiration from across the nation. Despite the heartbreak of her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a marginal weight miss, Vinesh's resilience and dedication have only bolstered her status as a legend in Indian sports. The emotional scenes at the airport and the overwhelming response on social media underscore the deep respect and affection the country holds for her.

The extreme lengths Vinesh went to in her weight-cutting efforts reveal the intense pressures faced by athletes at the highest level, sparking a wider conversation about the fairness and humanity of current regulations. As the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) continues to explore legal options, Vinesh's story remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and struggles behind the pursuit of sporting excellence.