Padma winner Virender Singh urges Haryana government to recognize deaf athletes

Born in Sasroli near Jhajjar in Haryana, Singh cannot speak or hear. He posted a picture of himself sitting on the footpath outside Haryana Bhawan here with his Padma Shri, Arjuna Award and other international medals on Twitter.

“Hon’ble Chief Minister ML Khattar, I am sitting on the footpath of your residence Delhi Haryana Bhawan and I will not move from here until you give equal rights to deaf sportspersons like para athletes. When the Center gives us equal rights, you Why not?” Singh tweeted.

There are no Paralympic categories for athletes who are deaf only and the International Committee for Sport for the Deaf (ICSD) is the body that organizes sporting events specifically for them.

The Deaflympics are recognized by the International Paralympic Committee but deaf athletes are not part of the more famous Paralympic Games.

Singh received the Padma Shri from President Ram Nath Kovind, a picture of which was tweeted by Khattar congratulating the renowned wrestler, who inspired an acclaimed documentary on his life titled ‘Dumb Pehalwan’.

Virendra Singh ji, son of Haryana and para wrestler of freestyle wrestling has been awarded Padma Shri, it is a matter of pride for the people of the state. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to them for this. This award,” CM Khattar had tweeted.

To this, Singh, who has won three gold and one bronze medal at the Deflympics while competing in the 74kg weight category, reiterated that he wants equal rights on prize money and is praised as para athletes, adding that he Spoke to the Prime Minister as well. Narendra Modi regarding the same.

“Chief Minister, if you consider me as a para athlete, why don’t you give me the rights that come with the Para title.” I am still a junior coach and have not received any cash award. Did it, now the decision is in your hands,” Singh wrote on his Twitter page.

with agency input