'I felt Rohit was bit overweight; I have the right to say' Shama Mohamed counters backlash | VIDEO

Congress leader Shama Mohamed has defended her remarks on Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, clarifying that her statement was not an attempt at body-shaming but rather a general comment on athlete fitness.

Reacting to the backlash from BJP leaders, cricket fans, and social media users, Mohamed explained her stance, stating: "It was a generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson. It was not body-shaming. I have always believed a sportsperson should be fit, and I felt he was a bit overweight, so I just tweeted about that."

The Congress leader’s earlier comments, where she had referred to Sharma as ‘overweight’ and ‘the most unimpressive captain India has ever had’, triggered widespread criticism, with many accusing her of disrespecting a national sports figure. However, Mohamed maintained that she was being targeted unnecessarily.

"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..."

Her remarks continue to spark a heated political and sporting debate, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress party of belittling national athletes. Meanwhile, Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, is preparing for a high-stakes Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia on March 4, shifting the focus back to cricket.