A news anchor from a prominent Indian television channel has faced backlash for her critical comments regarding wrestler Vinesh Phogats disqualification from the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics. The anchors remarks, made following Phogats removal due to weight issues, have been widely condemned as insensitive and dismissive.The unidentified news anchor expressed her disapproval of Phogats performance, questioning the athletes preparation for the crucial event. Why did this situation arise the anchor asked during a live broadcast. She drew an analogy to an examination scenario, saying, I go to appear for an examination and I keep saying that I have failed despite studying the entire night before the exam... These just become mere reasons.third Class News Channel & News ANchor 😡#Phogat_Vineshpic.twitter.com/2ZJOA4lOEn— Satire Baba (@Satire912) August 7, 2024The anchors comments were directed at the fact that Phogat was disqualified for being slightly overweight, despite her efforts to lose weight, which included strenuous last-minute measures.Public backlashThe anchors remarks quickly sparked outrage on social media. Many viewers found her comments to be both harsh and out of touch with the struggles faced by athletes. Whoever this news anchor is can go to hell. Shame on you, wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the sentiment of many others who criticized the anchors lack of empathy.Whoever this news anchor is can go to hell. Shame on you @News18India for letting this go air.pic.twitter.com/l9znRaDcjK— Shruti Chaturvedi 🇮🇳 (@adhicutting) August 7, 2024Do you have any shame left @News18IndiaDoes this anchor have any shame leftUs ladki pe kya guzar rahi hogi tum log soch bhi nahi sakte. pic.twitter.com/VsVSD61lh7— Arpit Sharma (@iArpitSpeaks) August 7, 2024Reaction to the incidentThe reaction to the news anchors comments highlights a broader sensitivity towards the pressures and challenges faced by athletes. Vinesh Phogats situation, involving dehydration and a last-minute struggle to meet weight requirements, has been a source of concern and sympathy among the public. The anchors remarks, in contrast, were perceived as diminishing these struggles.The video of the anchors comments has since gone viral, amplifying the criticism and serving as a reminder of the need for compassionate reporting, especially in the context of high-stakes sports events.
