Beijing Olympics 2008

Olympic heroes return home

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.

This was India’s best ever showing at the Olympics and it reflected in the excitement of the fans. 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.

Gold medalist Abhinav Bindra had already returned home last week immediately after winning his prize.

Tags: beijing olympics 2008, igia, indian boxing federation, indian olympic association, Sushil Kumar, vijender singh