Vinesh Phogat’s historic victory in the women’s wrestling 50kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics has garnered widespread acclaim and attention, including a notable reaction from actress-politician Kangana Ranaut. Phogat’s dominant 5-0 win over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez secured her spot in the final, making her the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final.
Kangana Ranaut took to Instagram to react to Phogat’s achievement, 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.”
Phogat’s journey to the final was nothing short of extraordinary. Her path began with a stunning victory over the world number one and defending champion, Yui Susaki of Japan, in the Round of 16. Susaki, who had been undefeated in international competition since the Tokyo 2020 Games, fell to Phogat in a historic upset. Phogat then progressed by narrowly defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals.