Vinesh Phogat gets engaged

Gaurav Kanthwal

A week after becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win the Asian Games gold in Jakarta, Vinesh Phogat has got engaged to former national-level wrestler Somveer Rathi of Jind. 

The duo exchanged engagement rings in a parking lot outside the international airport after Vinesh touched down at the IGI airport in New Delhi on Saturday night. Vinesh’s uncle Mahavir Phogat and Somveer’s mother were also present on the occasion. 

The two families welcomed Vinesh, who came out of the airport with the Tri-colour and the gold medal around her neck, clicked pictures and distributed sweets among the fans and supporters who greeted Vinesh with flowers, dhol beats and Bharat Mata ki Jai slogans.

Birthday blessing

Somveer said he wanted to solemnise the ceremony on Saturday itself and thus had to exchange rings hurriedly at the airport, as Vinesh reached New Delhi late at night. It was a memorable day for Vinesh in more than one way, as it (Saturday) also happened to be her 23rd birthday! 

Vinesh had earlier posted a picture of herself with fiancé on a social networking site with a caption, “The best decision I ever made! Glad you pinned me for life.” Vinesh and Rathi know each other since the last seven years and are currently employed with Indian Railways as Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE). They are even family friends. Vinesh’s uncle Mahavir Phogat and Rathi’s father, both former wrestlers, are close friends since long.