Hema Malini Criticized for Insensitive Comments on Olympic Wrestler Vinesh Phogat's Weight Disqualification
Vinesh Phogat faced disqualification from the finals of the women's 50kg category due to being overweight. Veteran actor turned politician Hema Malini added her voice to the discussion, stating that this incident serves as "a lesson for all of us" to maintain our weight. However, her comment sparked significant backlash online. Many netizens criticized her remarks as insensitive and out of touch with the realities of professional sports.
Hema Malini Faces Backlash: In a surprising turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced disqualification from the finals of the women's 50kg category due to being overweight. On the morning of her crucial bout, Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the permissible weight during the weigh-in. This unexpected discrepancy occurred despite her meeting the weight requirement just a day earlier, on Tuesday, the first day of her Olympic bouts.
The news of Phogat's disqualification reverberated across social media, drawing a myriad of reactions. Veteran actor turned politician Hema Malini added her voice to the discussion, stating that this incident serves as "a lesson for all of us" to maintain our weight. However, her comment sparked significant backlash online. Many netizens criticized her remarks as insensitive and out of touch with the realities of professional sports.
Her last reaction "milega nhin" 🤔😡#GOLD #OlympicGames #HemaMalini pic.twitter.com/dcQHS6Sdus
— Ateeque Ahmad عتیق احمد (@AteekSyd) August 7, 2024"Hema Malini's comment is extremely stupid and insensitive. Being overweight by 100 grams is more of a logistical error and bad luck rather than her being unhealthy. Olympic athletes follow extreme training and strict diets. Vinesh did not defeat the world number one by being mediocre in power and skill," one user pointed out.
Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Hema Malini's background in Bollywood might not equip her to comment on the stringent demands and challenges faced by athletes. "She doesn’t know anything about sports and wrestling; she will say what she knows—beauty standards and maintaining a certain weight," another commenter noted.
In response to the disqualification, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) lodged a formal protest with the International Wrestling Federation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also intervened, directing IOA chief P.T. Usha to take appropriate action regarding the matter. The disqualification process was outlined clearly by officials: "On August 7, 2024, the weight for the 50kg women's wrestling was determined at 7:15-7:30 AM Paris time for wrestlers participating in repechages. Vinesh's weight was found to be 50kg and 100 grams, rendering her ineligible for the competition."
Bollywood's Support for Vinesh PhogatThe heartbreak of Phogat's disqualification did not go unnoticed by Bollywood celebrities. Stars such as Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Farhan Akhtar, Taapsee Pannu, Sonakshi Sinha, and Varun Grover expressed their support and sympathy for the wrestler through their social media platforms. Their messages highlighted the collective disappointment and solidarity felt by the Indian community in light of the unfortunate incident.