Rohit Sharma fat-shaming controversy: Sports Minister criticise Congress and TMC leaders for their controversial remarks on India captain

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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has strongly condemned recent comments made by Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed regarding Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's fitness.

Labeling the remarks as "outright pathetic," Mandaviya urged political leaders to refrain from interfering in athletes' professional lives and to show respect for their dedication and sacrifices.

"Congress and TMC should leave sportspersons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives," Mandaviya wrote on X. "Remarks made by leaders from these parties, indulging in body shaming and questioning an athlete's place in the team, are not only deeply shameful but also outright pathetic. Such comments undermine the hard work and sacrifices that our sportspersons make to represent the country on the global stage."

The controversy erupted after Congress leader Shama Mohamed posted a now-deleted tweet criticizing Rohit Sharma's physique. She wrote, "@ImRo45 is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!"

Her comments sparked widespread backlash from social media users and politicians, who accused her of body-shaming Sharma and undermining his contributions to Indian cricket.

Amid mounting criticism, Shama Mohamed defended her comments, stating that they were not intended as body-shaming but rather as an observation on an athlete's fitness.

"It was not body-shaming. I always believed a sports person should be fit, and I felt he was a bit overweight, so I just tweeted about that. I have been attacked for no reason. When I compared him with previous captains, I put in a statement. I have the right. What is wrong in saying that? It is a democracy," she told ANI.

Following the backlash, the Congress party distanced itself from Shama Mohamed's statements. Congress leader Pawan Khera took to X, stating that her comments do not reflect the party's position.

"Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party's position. She has been asked to delete the concerned social media posts from X and has been advised to exercise greater caution in the future," Khera said.

He further added that the party holds India's sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse statements that undermine their legacy.