Among the sweetest and more symbolic of moments making rounds across Indian wrestling, the star wrestler Bajrang Punia lifted fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat on his shoulders during her arrival in India. It was a moment full of emotions, emphasising the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists between India’s top athletes.
Vinesh Returned To India
Vinesh Phogat is one of the flag-bearers for Indian wrestling and, has been at the forefront by winning accolades for the country through great performances on the international stage. She has been able to do what inspired a generation of athletes and brought new focus to women’s wrestling in the country. This time, her return to the country was marked with overwhelming outpouring of support from fans, friends, and fellow athletes.
Bajrang Punia and Vinesh’s Connection
But more than anything else, Bajrang Punia, a decorated wrestler himself, had a special connect with Vinesh. They hail from wrestling families and have trained day in and day out in the same grinding environments where their paths crossed pursuing international success. When Bajrang lifted Vinesh onto his shoulders, what it did signify is not just joy at seeing what she had achieved but the collective pride of Indian wrestling.
Unity Between Indian Wrestlers
It was also read as a gesture of solidarity amongst Indian wrestlers. For an individualistic sport, such moments show the unity and support behind athletes. Bajrang’s act resonated deep within the hearts of fans who took to social media to celebrate the moment, with many seeing it as representative of the strength and resilience both wrestlers have shown throughout their careers.
Celebrations On Vinesh’s Return
Though Vinesh Phogat returned to India empty handed from the Paris Olympics 2024, there were celebrations for her performance throughout Paris Olympics 2024. The celebrations and accolades marked the return of Vinesh Phogat, but this moment with Bajrang Punia remained as a reminder of the humane connections and feelings that lie at the bottom of the otherwise fiercely competitive sporting world. In that one fleeting moment, captured through cameras and circulated far and wide, was seen the brotherhood that made Indian wrestling such a formidable force on the global stage.
Netizen’s Reaction
Netizens weee supporting Vinesh even on social media platforms. Some said that even though Vinesh did not win a medal, she won many hearts. A negative comment on Vinesh read, “Welcome for what? For playing politics instead of sports? This whole show is just a staged circus to milk sympathy and push agendas. The real athletes deserve better!” A netizen after seeing the crowd and the huge number of reporters said, “Reporter bhai use saans toh lene do.”