Hema Malini Calls Vinesh Phogat 'Heroine Of Olympics' After Medal 'Milega Nahi' Comment; Netizens React

Hema Malini has taken to social media to express her sympathies with Vinesh Phogat and cheer on the acclaimed wrestler. She penned a heartfelt note for Vinesh after her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics for being overweight by 100 grams. This post comes soon after the veteran actress went viral for her initial statement on Vinesh’s disqualification.

Hema wrote, “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.” Check out the post here:

Hema Malini’s post did not sit right with a section of Instagram users who felt that the actress was “being nice” after her initial statement was not received well by some. Meanwhile, some argued that Hema Malini was only trying to emphasize the importance of watching one’s weight. The veteran actress’ statement went viral after she said that while she wished Vinesh lost the 100 grams immediately, she would still not get the medal.

Hema had 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 loses that 100 gm quickly but she would not get an opportunity).”

For the unversed, in a shocking turn of events, Vinesh Phogat, who had made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final, was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight in the 50 kg category. The disqualification came just a day after she secured India at least a silver medal by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the freestyle semi-finals.

Despite staying awake all night and trying every possible measure to reduce weight, Vinesh Phogat couldn’t shed the extra grams in time for the final weigh-in. This disqualification not only cost her the opportunity to compete for gold but also stripped her of the silver medal, leaving the category with only a gold and bronze medallist.