Boxer
Vijender Singh, who arrived at the protest site at Singhu border (Haryana-Delhi
border) to express solidarity with the farmers, said that “If the government
doesn’t withdraw the black laws, I’ll return my Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award –
the highest sporting honour of the nation,” he said.
The farmers' protest at the Singhu border against recently passed farm laws entered the 11th day today. Addressing a gathering of protestors, Singh said, “I have come here today as whole of Punjab and Haryana is here, and I stand in support with them and their demands. If the government doesn't withdraw the black laws, I will be forced to return my Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award”.
Moreover, amid the ongoing farmers' protest, former national boxing coach Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu has also decided to return his Dronacharya Award in order to show resentment against the three farm laws and express solidarity with agitating farmers.
Meanwhile, a large number of Punjabi sportspersons and even Former CM Prakash Singh Badal and rebel Rajya Sabha member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa returned their Padma Bhushan awards, saying they stand with farmers and there is no point relishing these awards if the annadata of their states are treated with water cannon and tear gas and fighting for their rights.
Also, the winners of the Bhartiya Sahitya Akademi Award in Punjabi including Sirmour Shire Dr Mohanjit, eminent thinker Dr Jaswinder Singh and Punjabi playwright and editor of Punjabi Tribune Swarajbir also returned their awards to show support for farmers.