Confusion and Controversy Surround Deaflympics Stars’ Homecoming
Athletes staged a protest at the airport because no government official was there to receive them.
Virender Singh wore a smile on his face and a gold medal around his neck as he walked into Delhi airport on the morning of 1 August. India’s ‘goonga pehelwan’ had just returned from the Deaflympics, after having bagged his country a gold medal in wrestling. Singh’s medal was just one of the five that India won at the international event. While Singh appeared happy to be back, the rest of the squad did not.
Not one government official was at the airport to welcome the 46-strong contingent as they landed in Delhi. Several members of the squad held a protest at the airport. Some of the athletes spoke to The Quint about the lack of support.
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