Hema Malini's 'insensitive' comment on Vinesh Phogat upsets netizens
What's the story
Vinesh Phogat, the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 for being 100gm overweight in the women's 50kg category.
This unfortunate event occurred on the morning of her final bout, despite her being within the required weight limit on the first day of her bouts.
The disqualification came as a shock to the nation, but actor Hema Malini's reaction to the news has now irked netizens.
Hema's statement
'A lesson for all of us,' said Malini
Reacting to this news, the politician stated that it was "a lesson for all of us" to keep our weight in check.
She expressed her surprise and disappointment at Phogat's disqualification due to being 100gm overweight.
"It is important to keep the weight in check. It is a lesson for all of us. I wish she should lose that 100gm quickly but she would not get an opportunity," said Malini in a statement to PTI.
Twitter Post
Malini called the disqualification 'surprising,' 'strange'
VIDEO | "It is very surprising, and it feels strange that she was disqualified for being 100 gm overweight. It is important to keep the weight in check. It is a lesson for all of us. I wish she should lose that 100 gm quickly but she would not get an opportunity," says BJP leader… pic.twitter.com/9vFyl91Dll
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 7, 2024
Internet backlash
'Do you realize the extreme training, strict diet she follows?'
Her comment sparked outrage on the internet, with many finding it insensitive and inappropriate in this context.
Many comments criticized her understanding of sports and wrestling, calling her unfit for Parliament.
One comment read, "Being overweight by 100g is more of a logistical error and bad luck rather than her being unhealthy...Do you realize that the extreme training and the strict diet these Olympic athletes follow...Saying these things makes it seem that she was eating samosas and ice cream everyday."
Support for Phogat
Bollywood stars, PM Modi expressed support for Phogat
Several Bollywood stars including Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Farhan Akhtar, Taapsee Pannu, Sonakshi Sinha, and Varun Grover expressed their support for Phogat on social media following her disqualification.
Pannu wrote, "This is heartbreaking but honestly, this woman has already made her mark beyond gold by now!"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his support for Phogat, tweeting, "Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today's setback hurts."
IOA's statement
Indian Olympic Association expressed regret over Phogat's disqualification
Despite the best efforts by the team to reduce her weight overnight, Phogat weighed in a few grams over 50kg on the morning of her final bout.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed regret over her disqualification and requested respect for Phogat's privacy during this time.