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The COVID-19 pandemic has struck the world hard with the number of affected and dead rising each day across Europe, USA and India. In our country, an unprecedented 21-day lockdown has been imposed to curb the spread of the virus and a mass exodus of migrant workers from their hometowns has been observed as the economy faces new challenges.
The sporting world has also been severely affected as no live sport is taking place as of now across the globe with health rightly being given the priority over all other activities.
The sports pages in the newspapers have turned into a single last page which is full of news about postponements and cancellations of the year's most significant events like the UEFA Euro Cup, the French Open, the Olympics, the IPL, etc.
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The sports channels on television sets across the world look like a 24-hour montage of 'from the vault' videos and highlights. Across the world, football clubs are struggling to keep themselves economically viable during this pandemic while some have even slashed the salaries of their players and staff.
In these tough times, many Indian footballers have come ahead and donated to the cause; we will have a look at some of them.
#1 Sunil Chhetri
Captain Fantastic, Sunil Chhetri, has again led from the front as he, along with other Indian footballers, has pledged to donate an undisclosed sum of money to the PM Cares fund.
The 35-year old tweeted that every player who turns out for the Blue Tigers is contributing a significant amount and even some retired players have come ahead in these tough times to set a shining example. The Bengaluru FC forward has also motivated people across the country to donate whatever sum of money they can afford.
#2 Pritam Kotal
The two-time Indian Super League winning defender, Pritam Kotal, has donated Rs. 50,000 to the West Bengal Chief Minister's fund and contributed an undisclosed amount to the PM Cares fund as well.
The 26-year old has cited the noble cause as his responsibility on Twitter and pledged to fight it till the end.
#3 Prabir Das
It is understood that the ATK right wing-back, Prabir Das, has also donated Rs. 50,000 to the CM relief fund. Das is known for his off-the-field generosity as, earlier in January, the 26-year old also helped a 7-year old ailing from acute pneumonia by providing financial assistance to his family.
The versatile player had a great 2019-20 season and is being eyed up by Igor Stimac for a place in the upcoming matches of the Indian national team.
#4 Sandesh Jhingan
The rock-solid centre-back came up with a rock-solid response to the problems being faced by the people in dire need of food and other essentials. While Sandesh Jhingan did his part, he also urged every Indian to contribute for the betterment of their fellow Indians.
#5 Pronay Halder
The ATK midfielder, Pronay Halder, is very close to his roots and the 27-year old has gone back to his hometown Barrackpore to help the underprivileged kids at the Barrackpore Mangal Pandey Football Coaching Camp. It is also understood that Halder has donated Rs. 20,000 to the West Bengal Emergency relief fund.
#6 Bhaichung Bhutia
The Indian footballing legend has announced on Twitter that all migrant workers currently looking for shelter can use his property in Tadong, Sikkim as a temporary shelter.
Along with United Sikkim Football Club, the 43-year old has extended a helping hand to the migrants.
#7 Rahim Ali
The Chennaiyin FC forward, Rahim Ali, was recently seen distributing some essentials amongst the underprivileged. While the teenage sensation is yet to win the hearts of fans on the pitch, he is certainly winning them off the pitch.
#8 Arindam Bhattacharya
Bhattacharya was hailed by the ATK faithful recently as his good performances helped the club win their third Indian Super League title. The 30-year old has again bagged praise from the fans as he has reportedly donated a sum of Rs. 25,000 to the West Bengal Emergency relief fund initiated by Mamta Banerjee.
Special mention: Mohun Bagan
The 2019-20 I-League champions, Mohun Bagan, have donated an amount of Rs. 20 Lakhs to the West Bengal Emergency Relief Fund setting up a positive example for other I-League and Indian Super League clubs.
#10 Reliance Foundation
The Indian Super League organizers, Reliance Foundation has announced that the Reliance Industries Limited will be donating Rs. 500 crore to the PM Cares fund, one of the biggest donations to the noble cause. In addition, RIL has also contributed Rs. 5 crore each to the Maharasthra CM Relief Fund and the Gujarat CM Relief Fund.
#11 Bengaluru FC (JSW Group)
The owner of 2018-19 Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC, JSW Group has donated Rs. 100 crore to the PM Cares fund. Sajjan Jindal, chairman and MD of JSW Group, says that further funds are also earmarked if required in the near future.
