India’s Olympic heroes Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt were accorded a rousing welcome at Indira Gandhi International Airport here on their return from London late on Monday night.
A jubilant crowd of over a thousand people – comprising wrestlers from Delhi and adjoining areas of Haryana, family members of silver medallist Sushil and bronze winner Yogeshwar and officials of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) – had gathered in front of Gate No. 6 of the arrival lounge much before the scheduled arrival of the British Airways flight carrying the two illustrious wrestlers. The moment they emerged from the exit gate, hundreds of enthusiasts burst into a wild celebration amid a deafening sound of drums and a music band. It was a matter of pride for the entire wrestling fraternity and it showed. Two medals from one sport in a single edition of the Olympics was a never-before occurrence for India. The grapplers who had assembled here tonight to catch a glimpse of the two heroes of their sport understood the importance of this achievement and paid a fitting tribute to Sushil and Yogeshwar by carrying them on their shoulders.
“We have been celebrating for the last three days! It’s everyone’s success,” said wrestler Rahul Mann from Chhatrasal Stadium, the akhara of both Sushil and Yogeshwar. Yogeshwar's supporters from his native village Bhainswal Kalan near Sonepat were ecstatic. Amid much dance and music, sweets were distributed and the two were taken out in processions in well-decorated vehicles. The party was destined to continue the whole night.
