"It is my wish that Vinesh Phogat should receive all the respect that she deserves" - Sakshi Malik welcomes fellow wrestler on return from Paris

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat returned to a rousing reception in New Delhi after being denied a joint silver medal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) at the Paris Olympics 2024. Retired wrestler Sakshi Malik, who received Phogat at the airport, said the latter deserved all the plaudits.

Vinesh was found to be 100 grams overweight before the final of the 50kg freestyle wrestling event and thus, disqualified. Following this, she appealed to the CAS, requesting a joint silver medal. However, the authorities rejected it.

Vinesh Phogat was received at the Delhi airport by Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, among others. Speaking to reporters, Malik acknowledged the Indian government's efforts in Vinesh's appeal to the CAS.

"It is my wish that Vinesh Phogat receives all the respect that she deserves. The Indian government accorded her all help possible with regard to her appeal for the medal," she said (via News24 on X).

Incidentally, it was on this day (August 17) in 2016 that Sakshi Malik bagged the first medal in women's wrestling for India. She won bronze in the 58kg category at the Rio Olympics.

Vinesh, whose return was delayed on account of the appeal she had filed with the CAS, was garlanded as she stood on an open jeep and acknowledged the fans who had come to greet her at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The star wrestler had announced her retirement following her disqualification at the Paris Olympics.

"She will always remain our champion" - Gagan Narang to Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh at the Asian OG Qualifier - Source: Getty

Former Olympian Gagan Narang was one of many who came out in support of Vinesh Phogat following her arrival in India.

The Olympic bronze medalist (at the 2012 London Games) wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"She came as a champion on day 1 into the games village and she will always remain our champion. Sometimes one doesn’t need an Olympic medal to inspire a billion dreams.. you have inspired generations. . Salute to your grit."

Vinesh defeated Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Yui Susaki of Japan and Ukraine's Oksana Livach before getting past Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinal. She was slated to face Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA in the big final before the weigh-in that dashed her medal hopes and those of Indian sports fans.

Vinesh Phogat then appealed to the CAS who deferred the verdict a couple of times, raising hopes for a positive outcome. With the final decision expected to be announced on August 16, the CAS gave the verdict a couple of days earlier, saying the case had been dismissed.