On the face of the agitation, it is a farmers’ protest against the new farm laws. But they have got the support of people from different walks of life. One such section is the sportspersons, particularly from Punjab, who have camped at the protest sites and have been supporting farmers in different ways.
A group of kabaddi players and weightlifters from Punjab has set up a mini-gym at the protest site, at the Singhu Delhi-Haryana border. The idea, they say, is to encourage farmers and the youth to exercise a bit while continuing their protest. Speaking to India Today TV, senior kabaddi player from Punjab, Bittu Singh said the government says the youth of Punjab is drenched in drugs but we want to prove them wrong.
“We want to tell them that the future of Punjab is not drenched in drugs. We are perfectly fit and carrying on with our training routine even during the protest here. We are getting full support from the NRI community. In some days, more machines (for physical training) will arrive and we will set up a kabaddi ground here itself,” Bittu Singh said.
The sportsperson said apart from participating in the protest and helping farmers, they spend about two hours in the mini-gym and exercise. Bittu Singh said washing machines and other facilities have been installed to wash clothes for the elderly farmers, who are unable to do the laundry on their own.
Speaking about their unique contribution, Lakkha Cheema, another kabaddi player, said, “We exercise for about two hours every day. Many people come to us to learn ways of exercising. We help them. We stand strongly with the farmers.”
Talking in a similar vein, weightlifter Aman Hoti said, “The Punjabis have leant to remain happy even in times of struggle. When Syria was being bombarded, the Sikhs were organising langar for people. Until the government accepts the farmers’ demands, we are going to stay put here.”
Source: India Today
