New Delhi: Vinesh Phogat vowed to continue her battle against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on return to her village in Haryana.
She received a rousing welcome in Delhi on Saturday on her return from Paris after getting disqualified from the 50kg freestyle final for being overweight.
Her appeal to get joint silver medal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Yet, she was accorded a heroes welcome and was felicitated several times oner way to Balali village from Delhi.
Before the Paris Olympics, Phogat was one of the leading figures in battle against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is being tried for alleged sexual misconduct against female wrestlers at Delhi High Court.
For over a year, Phogat sat on a sit-in protest against Brij Bhushan after which she qualified for Paris Olympics.
“Our fight has not ended and the fight will continue and I pray to god that the truth will prevail,” the 29-year-old said Vinesh while speaking after reaching her village.
Hint at retirement U-turn
Phogat had announced her intention to retire after her disqualification but hinted at return to the mat.
“As I got love from my fellow Indians, my village and my family members, it would give me some courage to make this wound heal. Maybe, I could return to wrestling,” she said.
“Missing the Olympic medal is the biggest wound in my life. I don’t know how much time it would take to heal this wound. I don’t know if I would pursue wrestling or not but the kind of courage I got today , I want to use that in the right direction.”
Phogat said Paris 2024 was her third Olympics and unable to win a medal there has forced her to introspect though the outpouring of love and affection has been overwhelming.
“But I feel extremely lucky to be born in this village. I would always fight for the honour of the women and of this village.
“I want it from the bottom of my heart that somebody from the village carries my legacy forward and breaks my records.
“If I can promote women wrestlers of my village, it would be my biggest achievement,” the two-time World Championships medallist said.
“It would be disappointing if no wrestler emerged from this village. We have paved the way with your achievements. I request you all to support the women in this village, they need support if they have to replace us.
“They can achieve a lot. All they need is your support. I will always be indebted to this nation, this village. Whatever I have learnt, I will share with my sisters from this village and I wish someone from this village breaks my record.”
Vinesh Phogat received a rousing welcome in her village in Haryana on her return from Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified from the 50kg freestyle final for being overweight. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
