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Wrestler Vinesh Phogat thanked the entire nation for their support throughout the Paris Olympics 2024 after she came back home on August 17 in Delhi. Vinesh was greeted by India's Olympic bronze medallist wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia.
Vinesh who was disqualified from her gold medal bout for being 100 grams overweight at the weigh-in was in tears as she saw a massive crowd gather to welcome her.
"I would like to thank the entire country, I'm really lucky. Thanks for supporting me in my fight. It's not over yet the fight will continue," said the 29-year-old.
Earlier this week, Vinesh's appeal against International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling's (UWW) decision was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration (CAS). Vinesh wanted a silver medal which she won fair and square with her weight below the 50kg weight category.
Vinesh’s rollercoaster journey at Paris Olympics
Earlier, Vinesh created history when she beat Japan's Yui Susaka in the pre-quarterfinals. She ended Susaka’s unbeaten run of 82 games. She had never been beaten on the international stage. Later, she qualified for the repechage round despite Vinesh’s disqualification and won a bronze medal. This is the first bronze medal Susaki won at any level.
She beat Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinal to create history. She became the first Indian femal wrestler to reach the final of an Olympic event.
U-turn on retirement?
On August 16, Vinesh hinted that she may take a U-turn on retirement.
"Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032, because the fight in me and wrestling in me will always be there. I can't predict what the future holds for me, and what awaits me in this journey next, but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing," she wrote in the post.
She also defended her support staff who have been blamed for Vinesh getting disqualified due to being 100 grams overweight.
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