Farmers Movement Archive

Delhi: Sporting events turn fundraisers for the families of ‘fallen’ farmers

NEW DELHI: On this large dusty ground, burly men could be seen clashing with each other while hundreds of people shouted in appreciation and joy. These weren’t gladiators in the Roman Colosseum, but wrestlers in a match under way at Singhu border where farmers have been sitting on a protest against the agri laws for the past two months. The tractor-trolleys had been turned into stands even as eight teams attempted to wrestle their way to victory in the live tournament. The second-most popular sporting event was the kabaddi tournament, the brainchild of a few farmers collecting funds for the families of their “fallen comrades”. Eight teams from Punjab and Haryana comprising over 160 players grappled on a makeshift ground prepared within just 4-5 days. The top prize was Rs 1 lakh. “It took us just 4-5 days to organise the tournament after the idea was conceived by a few of us who felt that we could use the kabaddi players among us. The players have been practising daily and maintaining their diet to be always match-ready. Through this tournament, we can collect funds from India and abroad for the families of our farmers who lost their lives during this struggle,” said Mandeep Singh from Kapurthala, a co-organiser of the event. His brother, Prabhjot Singh, said eight teams with 20 players each were participating in the event. The ground, just behind a petrol pump on the highway, saw a stage where family members of the deceased farmers were felicitated, including the wife of Tej Singh who passed away recently. She was felicitated with a shawl and promised financial support. Kaka Sheikh Daulat, the coach of Sher-e-Punjab club in Ludhiana, said while the ground was not an ideal spot for such an event, it was a good idea because it helped farmers’ families with financial support. “Also, many of our players can do with some practice. The prize money is a good encouragement for the players. They are happy to participate in the event and throw their bodies around,” he added. Deep Jabbal, a 24-year-old farmer sitting atop his tractor, said, “This is also a good source of entertainment. With this live tournament, many are feeling reinvigorated and passionate about the protest.” Harmanbir Singh from Patiala said, “This kind of a tournament has not been seen in Delhi and Haryana. There are some strong teams present here. Hopefully, people contribute enough money for the kin of our fellow protesters who lost their lives.”

The Times of India

2021-01-22

Delhi