India, March 4 -- Amid controversy over party colleague calling Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma 'fat', Congress MP and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla on Tuesday said that the party always "encourages sports and sportspersons".

Congress has clearly said that it has got nothing to do with Congress leader Shama Mohamed's statement, Rajeev Shukla said.

"Congress doesn't make such comments on sportspersons. Congress party always encourages sports and sportspersons. Party has nothing to do with the statement. It could be her personal thinking...Rohit Sharma is completely fit. His performance is also good. He has good leadership quality," news agency ANI quoted Shukla.

The Congress party on Monday r...