Not all is lost, Vinesh!

Tears, adulation, garlands, there was everything on display.

A teary-eyed Vinesh Phogat received an extraordinary reception upon her return to India, as hundreds of supporters gathered outside Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday to express their solidarity and admiration. The grand welcome highlighted the deep respect and encouragement from her fans despite the heartbreak she experienced at the Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified from the 50 kg final due to being overweight.

Prominent figures, including fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, as well as local panchayat leaders, were on hand to greet Vinesh. The atmosphere was one of warmth and support as Vinesh, heavily adorned with garlands, stood in an open Jeep, acknowledging the cheers of her admirers. Congress leader Deepender Hooda was also present, offering sweets to the wrestler in a gesture of celebration and support.

With a thick security presence ensuring her safety, Vinesh, who had been found 100 grams over the weight limit at the Olympics, arrived in the national capital to a heartfelt reception. Her convoy then headed towards her native village of Balali in Haryana, making stops along the way to meet and thank supporters. During the journey, Hooda presented her with a mace, symbolizing victory, which moved Vinesh to tears. Her husband, Somvir, was by her side, offering comfort and support.

In a series of Twitter posts, Deepender Hooda lauded Vinesh for her indomitable spirit and perseverance. "In our eyes, you have been a winner in the past and will remain so in the future too. Your courage, struggle, and determination have not only won the hearts of millions but also inspired the youth of our nation," Hooda wrote.

A group of about 50 supporters followed her jeep, offering prayers at a temple in Dwarka, Delhi, before continuing their journey to Balali. Vinesh had remained in Paris after her disqualification to challenge the decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to be awarded a joint silver medal. However, her appeal was dismissed on Wednesday.

Sakshi Malik, who also attended the reception, praised Vinesh's contributions to women's sports. "She has come back to her country after a long time and is understandably emotional. She will spend time with her family and find solace. Her achievements for women's wrestling are commendable. Even without a medal, she is a champion in our eyes," Malik remarked.

Gagan Narang, the London Olympics bronze medal-winning shooter and Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent in Paris, also hailed Vinesh's remarkable spirit. He shared a photo of himself with Vinesh at Paris airport and posted on X, "She arrived as a champion and will always be one. Sometimes, an Olympic medal isn't necessary to inspire a billion dreams. @vineshphogat, you have inspired generations. Salute to your grit."

Vinesh's brother, Harvinder Phogat, conveyed the excitement of their village, stating, "People are eagerly waiting to welcome her home. They are thrilled to meet Vinesh and offer their encouragement."

In her first public remarks following the disqualification, Vinesh expressed uncertainty about her future. She noted that under different circumstances, she could envision herself competing until 2032, as she still feels a strong passion for wrestling. However, the disqualification has cast doubt on whether things will ever be the same again. Vinesh had announced her retirement from the sport shortly after her disqualification.

In a poignant social media post, Vinesh reflected on her childhood dreams, the challenges she faced after losing her father, and the significant support she received throughout her journey. She shared her deep gratitude for the contributions of those who have been part of her extraordinary, albeit heartbreaking, journey in Paris.