Actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has expressed her support for wrestler Vinesh Phogat following the latter’s disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics wrestling competition. Phogat, who was scheduled to compete in the women’s 50kg category, was found to be overweight on the morning of her gold medal bout on Thursday. In wrestling, bouts in each weight category are spread over two days, making the disqualification a significant blow to Phogat’s Olympic dreams.

Reacting to the news, Kangana Ranaut took to Instagram to call Phogat a “sherni” (lioness) and shared a photo of the wrestler on her Instagram Story. In another story, Kangana posted a heartfelt message that read, “Mat ro Vinesh, aapke saath khada hai poora desh,” which translates to “Don’t cry, Vinesh, the entire nation stands with you.” The post was accompanied by a poignant graphic illustrating the map of India comforting a heartbroken Vinesh, who is depicted sitting on a wrestling mat. The image symbolises the country’s support for the distraught athlete.