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New Delhi, A day after actor-politician Hema Malini’s remarks on Vinesh Phogat’s weight drew widespread criticism, husband Dharmendra on Thursday penned an emotional message of support for the wrestler, who was disqualified from the 2024 Paris Olympics for exceeding the 50-kg mark by 100 grams.
Phogat created history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. On Wednesday, in a shocking development, she was disqualified even before her final bout, which could have given her a gold medal.
In a message posted on Instagram, Dharmendra said he is praying for the health and happiness of Phogat, who called time on her international wrestling career on Thursday.
The 88-year-old cinema icon said, “Dear daughter Vinesh, we are deeply saddened to hear this news. You are a courageous daughter of this earth. We love you and always pray for your health and happiness. Stay happy, healthy and strong for your family and your loved ones.”
Hema Malini, the BJP MP from Mathura, faced criticism on social media and elsewhere for her remarks, which many considered insensitive.
“It is important to keep your weight under control. It is a good lesson for all of us that even 100 grams matters a lot. We feel sorry for him, I want him to lose 100 grams quickly, but he won’t get it right now,” she told reporters on Wednesday.
The video soon gained popularity and was widely circulated on various platforms. Some people were outraged at his “insensitivity”, while others mocked him and called his comment “stupid”, “disrespectful” and “ill-timed”.
However, the star took steps to control the damage to some extent. She looked more cautious in her post on X in the evening.
“Vinesh Phogat, the whole nation is behind you! You are our heroine of this Olympics. Don’t lose hope – you are destined for great things and have a bright future ahead of you! Just carry on bravely,” Malini posted.
Three-time Olympian Phogat announced her decision to retire on social media, saying she no longer has the strength to play anymore.
Addressing her mother Premlata, Phogat wrote, “Maa, the wrestling won, I lost. Forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is shattered.”
“I don’t have any more strength left in me. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I will remain indebted to all of you. Please forgive me,” the two-time world championship bronze medallist said.
This article is generated from an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.
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