Sushil, Vijender return home to a heroes' welcome

NEW DELHI: After their resounding success in the Beijing Olympics, India's bronze medallists duo of wrestler Sushil Kumar and boxer Vijender Singh returned home to a rapturous welcome from thousands of ecstatic fans at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here in the wee hours on Tuesday.


The new heroes of Indian sports, Sushil and Vijender, along with the rest of the Indian contingent touched down at the airport at 00:30 hrs. However, it was only after 00:55 hrs that the first glimpses of the contingent was seen.

Finally home after scripting history by winning as many as three medals including one gold and two bronze, the Indian contingent was received at the airport with love and affection by the wildly cheering fans.

Some hugged them, while others coaxed for autographs and even gave them a ride on their shoulders.

Hordes of supporters from Sushil's homeland in Bapraula village of Najafgarh and Vijender's native place in Bhiwani district of Haryana thronged the airport carrying drums and fire crackers.

A musical band continued beating drums and blowing trumpets and enthusiastic fans broke into dance as the whole ambience submerged into a celebration mood.

The tricolour fluttered in the air and so were the banners of Indian Boxing Federation and Indian Olympic Association. There were also specially made banners and placards to welcome the Olympic heroes, reading "East or West, Vijender is the best".

Fans also showered rose petals and offered bouquets to their Olympic heroes.

It was a historic welcome not only for the medal winners, but also for other two quarter-finalist boxers Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar who seemed to have moved by the reception.

"When I returned, the emigration officer asked me for an autograph, it was for the first time that something of this sort happened. I am delighted and overwhelmed at the response," said an emotional Akhil, who defeated World bantamweight champion Sergey Vodopyanov at the quadrennial event's pre-quarterfinals.

An ecstatic Sport Minister M S Gill, who received the contingent, said he was proud of the nation's best-ever performance at the Olympics.

"I am very proud of their achievements. They have made the country proud. This is just the beginning, and from here on we all must work harder to achieve greater results in future," Gill said, patting the two bronze medallists on their shoulders.

Many top officials of Sport Authority of India (SAI) were also present at the airport, including Director General of SAI Shyan Chatterjee.

A large posse of media persons and cameramen were also present to catch the first hand reaction of India's most successful Olympic team.

Such was the craze that Vijender was literally escorted out of the place without any intervention, however, Sushil was more than obliged to answer the media.

The wrestler, who won the bronze medal in the 66 kg freestyle event, said he was confident of winning a gold in 2012 London Olympics.

"I cannot explain how happy I am to see so many people turning up to receive me. This reception is motivational enough for me to work with renewed vigour to win gold in the forthcoming Asian and Commonwealth Games and in the London Olympics in 2012," a jubilant Suhil said.

Earlier, there was a small skirmish between the Delhi Police and Vijender's family, who were initially not allowed to enter the VIP enclosure.

Vijender's father Mahipal Singh Beniwal, uncle Ramesh Singh and brother Manoj Singh were barred from entering the enclosure as Delhi Police failed to recognise them, but later on they were allowed to enter the premises.

Officials of the IOA, including President Suresh Kalmadi, Secretary-General Randhir Singh also arrived by the same flight.

SOURCE : DNA INDIA