Actor-turned-BJP MP Hema Malini found herself in hot water after making controversial remarks regarding wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from Paris Olympics. Hours after urging Phogat to keep weight in check Malini tried to soften her stance. She posted a supportive message on Instagram.
Speaking to the media in front of Parliament in New Delhi, Malini said she was shocked and worried that Phogat had been disqualified for being 100 grams overweight. “It is very surprising and bada ajeeb sa bhi lagta hain ki 100 gm ki wajah se woh disqualify ho gayi. Kitna mehatwa hain apna weight aur wazan ko theek se rakhna! Hum sab ko isse ek achha seekh milna chahiye sab kalakaro ko, mahilayon ko sabko… ki 100 gm also matters a lot! We feel very sad for her. I wish she loses that 100 grams quickly lekin milega nahi abhi.” (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).
Malini's comments were not well-received. She quickly faced wave of criticism online. In an attempt to mitigate backlash she later shared post on Instagram. It featured a picture of Vinesh Phogat from ongoing Paris Olympics. The caption read, “Vinesh Phogat, the whole nation rallies behind you! You are our heroine of this Olympics. Do not lose heart - you are meant for great achievements and you have a bright future ahead of you! Just carry on bravely.”
Despite her efforts to show support social media users were unimpressed. Comments flooded her post. One user stated, “Abh hate milni lagi toh post daldi (you posted now after getting hate) clever lady (skullface emoji).” Another wrote, “Shame on you.” Others expressed disappointment and anger: “Shocked to hear ur initial comments .. Lost all respect for you,” and “The comment you have made is of utter shame... really shame on you for saying such words. Don't try to act so nice u are a shameless female making such comments. It is a ques on us to hv ppl like u in power.”
Following the uproar, Vinesh Phogat declared her retirement from professional wrestling. She posted an impassioned post on X, "Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness."
The wrestling community and fans are left grappling with impact of Phogat's departure from the sport. This marks a somber moment in aftermath of the Paris Olympics.
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