Key Points:
- Boxer Vijender Singh, India’s First Olympic Medal-Winner has given a statement that he will return the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award’ if the Government does not take back the ‘Black Laws’ imposed on the Farmers.
- Along with Vijender, five former sportspersons from Punjab also joined the protest at Singhu border on Sunday.
- The farmers are protesting against the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Boxer Vijender Singh, India’s First Olympic Medal-Winner has given a statement that he will return the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award’ if the Government does not take back the ‘Black Laws’ imposed on the Farmers.
Boxer Vijender Singh joins the farmers' agitation at Singhu border (Haryana-Delhi border).
The farmers' protest at Singhu border, against Central Government's Farm laws, entered 11th day today. pic.twitter.com/uMOZLIyRU9
— ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2020
Vijender Singh reached the Singdhu border on Sunday and there he told the protesting farmers that he would return the award. He expressed his solidarity with the farmers that are protesting against the legislation enacted by the Government earlier this year. “If the government does not withdraw the black laws, I will return my Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award,” Singh said. Last year Vijender had joined the Congress Party and had contested 2019 Lok Sabha polls from South Delhi.
“I have trained in Punjab and eaten their bread. They have been protesting in this biting cold and I have arrived here as a son and a brother. Other athletes from Haryana wanted to come too but they have government jobs and fear repercussions. I am in touch with them and they are with our farmers,” Vijender.
Vijender Singh was given Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in July 2009, officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in Sports and Games, is the highest sporting honour of the Republic of India.
Not a Sikh.
Not from Punjab.
Contrary to how many like to isolate the protestors.Solid solidarity by @boxervijender! https://t.co/1pA3kjQ0Fw
— Abhishek Baxi (@baxiabhishek) December 6, 2020
Along with Vijender, five former sportspersons from Punjab also joined the protest at Singhu border on Sunday. They were:
- Rajbir Kaur and Gurmail Singh (Hockey) – Arjuna Awardees
- Kartar Singh (Ex-Wrestler)
- Jaipal Singh (Ex-Boxer)
- Ajit Singh (Hockey) – Dhyan Chand Awardee
The farmers held the fourth round of talks with the Government in relation with the farm laws on December 3. The farmer leaders suggested the government to have a special session of the Parliament and sought the Abolition of the Three Farm Laws.
The farmers are protesting against the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
