Hours before her disqualification for being overweight by 100 grams, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s groundbreaking victory in the women’s 50kg category at the Paris Olympics captured the nation’s attention, including a notable response from actress-politician Kangana Ranaut, who is the BJP MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.
Phogat’s commanding 5-0 win over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez had secured her place in the final, marking her the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final.
Kangana Ranaut expressed her admiration on Instagram, writing, “Fingers crossed for India’s first Gold Medal… Vinesh Phogat at one point took part in protests where she raised the slogans of ‘Modi teri kabr khudegi.’ Yet she was given the opportunity to represent the nation and receive the best training, coaches, and facilities. This is the beauty of democracy and the mark of a great leader.”
Before her disqualification, Phogat’s path to the final had been nothing short of spectacular. She began her campaign with a stunning victory over world number one and defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the Round of 16. Susaki, who had remained undefeated since the Tokyo 2020 Games, was bested by Phogat in a historic upset. Phogat continued her winning streak by narrowly defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals.
Despite recent controversies, including her involvement in protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, Phogat has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination on the mat.
Her victory over Susaki was particularly momentous, marking the Japanese champion’s first international loss and showcasing Phogat’s extraordinary talent and resilience.
Phogat’s achievements have not only been a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for Indian wrestling. Her remarkable journey has captivated the nation, inspiring widespread support. As she prepares for the final, all eyes are on her, hopeful for an unprecedented gold medal that would solidify her legacy in Indian sports history.
