Vinesh Phogat received a grand welcome on her return to the country with hundreds of supporters gathering outside the IGI airport, showing immense solidarity with her here on Saturday.

Stars such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Panchayat leaders received Vinesh, who endured a heartbreaking exit at the Paris Olympics where she was disqualified for being overweight on the day of her 50kg final.

Heavily garlanded, Vinesh stood in an open Jeep and thanked all the supporters.

“I thank all the countrymen, I am very fortunate,” Vinesh told reporters gathered at Delhi’s IGI airport.

Sakshi Malik said: “What Vinesh has done for the country, very few people do it. She should get more respect and appreciation.”

Bajrang Punia said: “The countrymen are giving her tremendous love, you can see how the country welcomed her.”