Veteran actor turned politician Hema Malini found herself at the receiving end of criticism after she commented on Vinesh Phogat ’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 finals for being 100 grams overweight in the women’s 50kg category. Now, she has expressed her support for Vinesh, calling her India’s heroine of the Olympics. "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🙏," she tweeted. Reports indicate that Vinesh was 100 grams over the weight limit during the morning weigh-in, although she was within the required weight on the first day of her bouts. Hema told PTI, “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).” Many on social media criticized her comments, calling them out of touch and insensitive.
Some felt that being 100 grams over weight is more of a logistical issue than a sign of poor health, and noted that Olympic athletes undergo extreme training and follow strict diets. Swara Bhasker Outraged, Vijender Singh Calls It A Conspiracy: Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification Shocks India One person wrote, “It's an extremely stupid and insensitive thing to say in this context..
. Being over weight by 100 g is more of a logistical error and bad luck rather than her being unhealthy..
. Do you realise that the extreme training and the strict diet these Olympic athletes follow..
. She did not defeat the world no 1 being mediocre in power and skill..
. Saying these things makes it seem that she was eating samosas and ice cream everyday..
. Healthy living is an important message but there is a time place for everything.” Another person commented, “She doesn’t know anything about sports and wrestling, she will say what she knows , it’s beauty standards and maintaining certain weight.
Plz don’t hate her . It’s not her fault, she was raised in Bollywood industry.” On Tuesday, Vinesh made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final.
She defeated Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman 5-0 in the semifinals and is also the first Indian woman to win gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games..
