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.
(We all love to express ourselves, but how often do we do it in our mother tongue?Here's your chance! This Independence Day, khul ke bol with BOL – Love your Bhasha. Sing, write, perform, spew poetry – whatever you like – in your mother tongue. Send us your BOL at bol@thequint.com or WhatsApp it to 9910181818.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)