New Delhi, March 3: The BCCI and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday condemned Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed for her controversial social media post questioning India captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness and leadership credentials during the ongoing Champions Trophy.
Mohamed’s remark, in which she termed Rohit as “fat for a sportsman” and the “most unimpressive captain India has ever had,” sparked widespread outrage on social media. The Congress later acknowledged the comment was inappropriate and asked her to delete the post from her ‘X’ account.
Mandaviya termed the remark as “deeply shameful” and “outright pathetic,” stating that such comments undermine the hard work and sacrifices made by athletes representing the country on the global stage.
“Congress and TMC should leave sportspersons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives. 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,” Mandaviya wrote on ‘X’.
Echoing the sentiment, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also criticised the Congress spokesperson for making such a comment in the middle of India’s Champions Trophy campaign.
“Very unfortunate for a responsible person to pass such a trivial comment when the team is in the midst of such a marquee ICC tournament. It may have a demoralizing effect on an individual or the team. All the players are performing to their highest potential, and the results are visible. I hope individuals shall desist from making such derogatory statements for personal publicity at the cost of national interest,” Saikia told PTI.
Former India seamer Venkatesh Prasad also came down heavily on Mohamed’s comment, calling it “absolutely pathetic and uncalled for.”
“Rohit has maintained great dignity as a captain, led us to a T20 World Cup win eight months back, and in the middle of an ICC tournament, body-shaming him is absolutely pathetic and uncalled for. Should have some respect for a person who has achieved through his skills and leadership for so many years,” Prasad posted on ‘X’.
India have reached the semifinals of the Champions Trophy and are set to play Australia in Dubai on Tuesday. They topped their group after beating New Zealand by 44 runs on Sunday. (PTI)
