Frenzy, chaos as heroes return

NEW DELHI: India's triumphant Tokyo Olympics contingent, including history-making Javelin Throw gold-medallist Neeraj Chopra, returned to the country on Monday and was greeted by frenzy and chaos at the New Delhi airport, where supporters jostled to catch a glimpse of their sporting heroes.

There was loud cheering by euphoric fans, family members and some local political leaders as the returning athletes made their way through a massive crowd both inside and outside the airport.

Waving the tri-colour, people danced to the beat of the dhol and a live band, sang and screamed their lungs out to show their appreciation for the medal winners.

Some were even seen doing push-ups and planks just outside the airport in their enthusiasm. Inside, Chopra and the other medal winners struggled to get past a selfie-seeking crowd.

"We are here to support our heroes. We are proud of them," said a young girl, who claimed to be a budding athlete herself.

The most dramatic exit was made by bronze-medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia, who greeted and waved to his supporters from the sunroof of an SUV, which had several fans clinging to it defying all traffic rules as it made its way out of the airport.

"We will try to do better next time; I had a knee problem," Punia, who had entered the Games as a gold medal favourite, said.

The athletes were garlanded and presented bouquets on arrival to the applause form airport staff as they made their way out through utter chaos. Agencies

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