Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Condemns Fat-Shaming of Rohit Sharma as ‘Shameful and Pathetic’
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Synopsis
On March 3, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed's derogatory comments about Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma sparked outrage. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya criticized these remarks as ‘shameful and pathetic,’ highlighting the need for respect toward athletes amidst ongoing controversies.
Key Takeaways
- Sports Minister condemns body shaming.
- Rohit Sharma criticized by Congress spokesperson.
- Backlash led to Congress party intervention.
- Rohit’s performance remains under scrutiny.
- Calls for respect towards athletes’ hard work.
New Delhi, March 3 (NationPress) The disparaging remarks made by Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed regarding Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma have ignited a storm on social media. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya condemned these comments, labeling them as ‘shameful and pathetic. During the New Zealand Champions Trophy Group A match on Sunday, the Congress spokesperson openly described Rohit as ‘fat.'
“Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! He needs to lose weight! And, of course, he is the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had,” Shama stated in a post on X.
Her remarks provoked significant backlash, leading to a widespread controversy that prompted the Congress party to instruct Shama to remove her post about Rohit.
The Sports Minister responded with a statement urging political figures to refrain from meddling in the lives of athletes. “Congress and TMC should leave sportspersons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives.
“The comments made by leaders from these parties, which engage in body shaming and question an athlete’s position within the team, are not only deeply shameful but also completely pathetic.
“Such remarks undermine the hard work and sacrifices that our sportspersons make to represent the country on the global stage,” his post on X read.
So far in the ongoing tournament, Rohit is the only top-order Indian batsman yet to reach a half-century, while Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer are in excellent form. The 37-year-old has scored 76 runs across three innings, averaging 25.33, with a strike rate of 111.76 and a top score of 68.
With Varun Chakaravarthy's five-wicket haul, India triumphed over New Zealand by 44 runs, securing the top position in Group A. They are set to face Australia in the first semifinals in Dubai on Tuesday, while New Zealand will battle South Africa in another semifinal in Lahore on Wednesday.
Former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad echoed the sentiments of the Sports Minister, deeming Shama’s comments as pathetic and calling for respect for Rohit’s legacy after years of dedication to the nation.
“Rohit has exhibited great dignity as a captain, leading us to a T-20 World Cup victory eight months ago, and body-shaming him in the midst of an ICC tournament is utterly pathetic and unwarranted. We should show respect for someone who has achieved so much through his skills and leadership over the years,” his post on X concluded.
