Coronavirus: Indian football players, AIFF donate to PM CARES Fund

'The ONLY reason we’re talking about this here is so that it can gently prod those who have been fortunate enough to get, to give back. We’re in this together,' Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri said about the donation to PM CARES Fund

Bengaluru: Indian football players, led by captain Sunil Chhetri, have donated to ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund’ (PM CARES Fund) to help the country fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Also, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has contributed Rs 25 lakh to PM CARES Fund.

On his Twitter account, Chhetri wrote, “We’ve always received more than we can give. Which is why in this time of need, all of us national team players have come together and put on the table a sum that has been sent to the PM-Cares Fund to help India’s fight with the pandemic.

“It’s been heartening to see everyone – cutting across caps, goals, age and experience – give, and give with a smile. When word got out, even some who have long stopped pulling on an India shirt, turned up and asked to be counted. That’s what a team is all about.

“The ONLY reason we’re talking about this here is so that it can gently prod those who have been fortunate enough to get, to give back. We’re in this together.”

AIFF said, “In wake of the crisis caused by Covid-19 pandemic, All India Football Federation has pledged to contribute Rs. 25 lakhs to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s PM CARES Fund.”

“The love, care and support from countrymen has provided us motivation all throughout. Hence, now is the time to pay back our country in whatever manner we can. We need to stand together and help each other hoping to overcome the crisis,” AIFF president Praful Patel said.