Mary Kom disagrees with Heena Sidhu On National Anthem

Two of the country's well-known sportspersons are now debating over National Anthem being played in the cinema halls and whether or not should we stand up as a sign of respect.

While shooter Heena Sidhu, who recently brought home a gold medal in women`s 10m Air Pistol event at Commonwealth Shooting Championships, on Saturday (Nov 25) criticized people who avoid standing up for National Anthem in the cinema halls.

Sidhu wrote:

No need to stand up for National Anthem means you can carry on eating your pop-corns, chit-chatting, talking loudly on your phone while its playing. Sometimes I feel so blessed 2 b a sportsperson...We cant even imagine this! Getting a medal wouldnt be half as gud without d Anthem

— Heena SIDHU (@HeenaSidhu10) November 25, 2017

Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom, on the other hand, said, "It is a sign of identity for us as Indians. It is a very good move as playing the national anthem, in my opinion, is mark of respect."

While many agree with the 34-year-old star boxer on the national anthem row, many support Sidhu as well.

This debate gained momentum recently when an FIR was lodged against two students from Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday after they were found sitting down during the national anthem was being played.

READ: Mary Kom To Receive ‘Legends Award’ From AIBA

Later, Sidhu justified her statement saying why the Supreme Court made a law making it mandatory for the national anthem to be played in movie theaters.

"First of all, you mix entertainment and patriotism and you force people to stand up when they have come to actually get entertained from a movie and then you say, oh it is optional. So, either you don't bring up laws which you can't uphold or you stick with how the tradition and culture is," Sidhu said while talking exclusively to ANI.

Also Read: Not ready to hang up her gloves: Remembering Mary Kom’s finest Sporting Moments

Also Read: Don’t let the bronze change the colour of your heart: Mary Kom to Sakshi Malik

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