There was a stunning photograph of Vinesh Phogat looking at her Asian Games gold medal at the medal ceremony of women's freestyle 50kg at the Jakarta Convention Centre Assembly Hall on Monday, August 20.
The 23-year-old was enjoying the moment, feeling more relieved than happy at her achievement, which came two years after a career-threatening injury at the Rio Games.
It's gold and it feels great! A first look at #asiangames2018 gold medal. Vinesh Phogat has a quiet moment to herself, finding solitude even in the large hall with so many cheering for her! pic.twitter.com/RF6EVcE6WF
— G Rajaraman (@g_rajaraman) August 20, 2018
However, within days she was forced to "feel sad" over a news report that romantically linked her to Commonwealth Games javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra.
A national newspaper had come up with a story on Wednesday describing the relationship between the two champion athletes, who have been spotted cheering for one another at major finals.
The report said that Chopra and Vinesh "blush at the very mention of each other's names... but insist they are just 'good friends'...".
Vinesh took to Twitter to slam the report, saying a simple gesture was being "painted in the wrong light".
"Really sad to see that a simple gesture of being present when one athlete is chasing glory for #India is painted in the wrong light," Vinesh wrote.
"Myself and @Neeraj_chopra1 and every other Indian athlete will support each other to ALWAYS make (India) proud, nothing more! Thank you (sic)."
Neeraj reacts to the media report
Neeraj also spoke about the issue on social media.
"It's important for athletes to support their peers and applaud them when they achieve glory. A true athlete would always do that. It's in our nature to want to watch the country win a medal," the junior world record-holder wrote.
Notably, Neeraj was cheering for Vinesh during the latter's gold medal bout on Monday from the JSC Assembly Hall. The 20-year-old javelin throw star made sure he found time to support the wrestler despite busy training routines.
Vinesh was present in the audience at Gold Coast when Neeraj won the gold medal at Commonwealth Games in April.
Neeraj is an overwhelming favourite to finish on the podium in Jakarta. The javelin throw event for men is scheduled for August 27.
The Indian athlete is expected to face a stiff competition from Chinese Taipei's Cheng Chao-Tsuin, who has a personal best of 91.36m. However, the 25-year-old has not managed to cross 84.60m this season.
