Boxer Vijender Singh has joined the farmers’ agitation at Singhu border (Haryana-Delhi border). The farmers’ protest at the Singhu border, against Central Government’s Farm laws, entered 11th day today. Addressing the farmers, Vijender Singh said, he will return Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Addressing a gathering of protestors, Singh said, “I came here today as our big brother Punjab is here, so how can people of Haryana lag behind. If the government doesn’t withdraw the black laws, I will return my Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award–the highest sporting honour of the nation.”
“The farmers’ unity was always there before it will also remain in the future,” he added.
“Enough is enough, if the government does not listen to the demands of the farmers, then I have decided that as a show of solidarity, I will return my Khel Ratna,” Vijender later told PTI.
“I come from a family of farmers and Army men, I can understand their pain and anxiety. It is high time that government pays heed to their demands,” added the celebrated boxer, whose brother has served in the Army.
Singh had shot to limelight in 2008 when he won the Bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics. The Indian boxer has also grabbed Bronze medals at the 2009 World Championship and 2010 Commonwealth Games. In 2006 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, Singh won the second prize bagging the Silver medal. In 2010, he was also honoured with the Padma Shri – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Apart from Vijender Singh, former captain of the Indian hockey team and two-time Olympian Pargat Singh also decided to return the Padma Shri award he received in 1998. Arjuna awardees Sajjan Singh Cheema and Rajbir Kaur, Padma Shree awardee Kartar Singh, Olympic medallist Gurmail Singh and former cricket coach Rajinder Singh have also decided to return their awards back to the Union Government.
