Hockey India Donates Additional Rs 75 Lakh To PM Relief Fund In Tackling Coronavirus Pandemic

Hockey India donated an additional Rs 75 lakhs towards the PM-CARES Fund to take its total contribution to Rs 1 crore to tackle worsening COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Hockey India had earlier donated Rs 25 lakhs towards the cause on April 1. The decision to donate an additional Rs 75 lakhs to fight the coronavirus pandemic was taken by the Hockey India Executive Board. "In the wake of this crisis, it is the need-of-the-hour to step up and come together to stand with the Government of India who are doing everything they can to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the years, we have received tremendous support from the people of this country who have kept us motivated through various challenges. This is the time to give back to the people of India in whatever way we can," Hockey India president Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad said in a statement.

Hockey India secretary general Rajinder Singh agreed with Mushtaq' views. "Hockey India has always believed in helping those in need and I am proud the Executive Board took this unanimous decision to contribute a total of Rs 1.00 crore towards the PM Cares Fund. With millions of Indian lives affected because of this pandemic, it was important for us to step up keeping in mind the interest of the nation," he added. Support has been pouring in from all sportspersons of the country with ace golfer Anirban Lahiri being the latest to donate a sum of Rs 7 lakhs PM-CARES Fund.

"In these grave times that we face today I urge my fans and brethren to join me in doing our bit to support those in most need. I have pledged Rs 7,00,000 to the PM Cares Fund and also support 100 families on the Zomato Feeding India initiative," Lahiri tweeted. "In any way big or small, let's play our part in helping the Nation. Jai Hind!!." India has reported nearly 3,000 positive cases with close to 70 deaths so far.

#IndiaFightsCorona #PMCaresFund @FeedingIndia #TogetherWeStand #FeedTheNeedy pic.twitter.com/jzPMyajbGR

— Anirban Lahiri (@anirbangolf) April 4, 2020

IOA Also Contributes

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has helped raise Rs 71 lakh through donations from its state affiliates and National Sports Federations (NSF) as contribution towards the country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. "IOA is deeply grateful to its NSFs and state associations and other federation and bodies for extending their support and humble contributions towards the cause of our nation's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic," the IOA said in a statement issued by its Secretary General Rajeev Mehta. "In these challenging times, the coming together of the Olympic family to support the nation''s need once again reinforces our belief that we shall always come out stronger to serve sports and make the nation proud."

Ace golfer Anirban Lahiri being the latest to donate a sum of Rs 7 lakhs PM-CARES Fund. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The IOA will transfer the donations to Prime Minister Cares Fund, the statement added. Former world number one double trap shooter Ankur Mittal also joined the fight against coronavirus, promising to donate Rs 1 lakh to PM-CARES fund and Rs 51,000 to Haryana Corona Relief fund. "I pledge to contribute Rs 1 Lakh to PM CARES Fund and Rs 51,000 to Haryana Corona Relief Fund. India can, and will fight this pandemic. @narendramodi @PMOIndia @mlkhattar @cmohry @KirenRijiju @ONGC_," he tweeted. MyTeam11, a fantasy sports platform, also donated Rs 5 lakh to the PM-CARES Fund in the wake of the rapidly-spreading disease.

Also Read | COVID-19: PM Narendra Modi Urges Sports Personalities To Keep Spreading Awareness

The coronavirus outbreak, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has claimed over 53,000 lives worldwide while infecting more than a million people. In India, it has led to 56 deaths as per official estimates with over 2,000 people infected by the deadly virus. Several sports personalities, including Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli, batting mastero Sachin Tendulkar, shuttler PV Sindhu and athletes Neeraj Chopra and Hima Das, have also come forward to provide financial contributions to fight against the disease.

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