Toronto, ON – During his years wrestling in Japan, Tiger Jeet Singh was one of the biggest wrestling villains the country had ever seen. On Thursday, February 26, the country presented the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation – the charity founded by Singh and his son, former WWE superstar Tiger Ali Singh – with the Consul-General’s Commendation in recognition of its contributions toward strengthening friendship with Japan, including its support of relief efforts following the 2011 earthquake. Talk about a babyface turn.
The award was presented to Tiger Jeet and Tiger Jr. by the Consulate General for Japan in Toronto, Sasayama Takuya, in a virtual ceremony with select media in attendance, including publications from Japan and India.
“The Consul-General for Japan extends its deepest regards to the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation,” said Takuya. “Tiger Jeet Singh contributed greatly to the success of wrestling in Japan, and now his Foundation has contributed greatly to the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011.”
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the Foundation worked with the Halton District School Board to raise $20,000 for children affected by the disaster.
The Singhs expressed their gratitude for the award and the kind words, noting the importance of giving back to their community, whether at home in Canada (the Singhs reside in Milton, Ontario), or internationally.
“I was always taught by my parents to do service for humanity,” Tiger Jr. said. “I was taught to never expect anything in return. But when you do get an honour like this, recognition like this, it comes as a great shock, but it also comes with great pride. We hope and pray for the return of normalcy as soon as possible for the wonderful people in Japan, and especially in the Fukushima area.”
The elder Tiger was equally grateful for the honour, particularly as it came from the country that he refers to as his second home.
“I spent 49 years in Japan, and I have so much love for Japan. When we heard about the tsunami, it was a big shock for our whole family. I knew we had to do what we could to help the people there, and especially the children.”
In that light, Tiger Jr. made a surprise announcement that the Foundation was making another donation of $20,000 for the cause, requesting that the funds go towards children’s hospitals and similar organizations.
“When I was fighting, I knew I was fighting for my life. They saw that, and they said, ‘He fights like a tiger.’ But when I got home, I was always there for my family. My family always came first.”
“And that family includes my friends, my community, and my country. That includes all of my friends and family, everyone who suffered from the tsunami. I pray that God gives them peace and happiness.”
Congratulatory messages on the commendation were received from Kimihiro Ishikane, Ambassador of Japan to UN; Sasayama Takuya, Consul General for Japan; Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton; Parm Gill, Member of Provincial Parliament for Milton; His Worship Gord Krantz, Mayor of Milton, His Worship Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner; and Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah
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