World Championship silver medallist Amit Kumar Dahiya and bronze winner Bajrang were accorded a warm welcome on their return from Budapest in the wee hours today, with hundreds of supporters turning up at the international airport to receive the star wrestlers.
Both the wrestlers returned home to a hero's welcome as fans and young grapplers from nearby akhadas came with garlands, bouquets and sweets, danced to deafening drum beats while they waited for the wrestlers to come out of Terminal 3 of the airport.
The crowd carried both Amit and Bajrang over their shoulders and welcomed them with a huge roar when they first sighted the two wrestlers coming out of the airport.
Both waved at the crowd and acknowledged the grand welcome, while relishing the carnival like atmosphere outside the terminal 3.
Shouts of 'Amit, Bajrang ki jay' reverberated in the air.
Even before the flight from Budapest landed, a huge crowd had gathered at the arrival terminus.
While Amit won a silver medal in the 55kg freestyle category, Bajrang clinched a bronze in the 60kg category.
Speaking to the waiting media, Amit expressed happiness over his performance and said he was overwhelmed by the reception.
"I am very happy with my performance. I was gunning for the gold medal as I had practiced hard for the tournament but unfortunately couldn't get it due to bad umpiring decision. The referee warned me for not attacking the Iranian and awarded him the point. I was a contender for gold. Nevertheless, I am happy with my performance and overwhelmed by the reception received here," said Amit.
Bajrang, too, seemed excited to have won a bronze medal and said he wants to carry on his good perforamnce in the tournaments ahead.
"I am happy to have made the whole country proud. I am happy with my perforamance. This is India's best-ever finish in the World Championship," he said.
