Sports world comes together, raises funds to fight COVID-19

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has contributed Rs 50 lakhs (£54,967.59) to India’s fight against the coronavirus outbreak, a source close to the former cricketer has confirmed.

Tendulkar, who also took part in Australia’s bushfire charity game in February, contributed 2.5 million rupees each to his state government of Maharashtra and the Prime Minister’s relief fund, the source said.

The 46-year-old remains the world’s leading run-scorer in Tests and one-day internationals, with more than 34,000 runs and 100 centuries. His 24-year career ended in 2013.

The Mumbai Cricket Association gave 5 million rupees, the Saurashtra Cricket Association donated 4.2 million while the Cricket Association of Bengal contributed 2.5 million.

Djokovic donates 1 million to Serbia

Serbian world no.1 Novak Djokovic is donating 1 million Euros to help his country buy equipment required to combat against coronavirus. Djokovic told a Serbian news channel that the amount will be used for the purchase of “life-saving respirators and other sanitary equipment.”

“I wish to express my gratitude to all the medical staff across the world and in my native Serbia for helping everyone infected by the coronavirus,” said Djokovic. The 17-time Grand Slam champion, who is based in Monaco, is holed up in Marbella, Spain.

“Unfortunately, more and more people are getting infected every day. My wife Jelena and I are putting together a plan how to best donate our resources to people in need.”

Nadal and Gasol launch fundraiser

Spanish sports stars Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol launched a fund-raising drive on Thursday explaining they wanted to give something back to the coronavirus hit nation that nurtured them to greatness.

Tennis ace Nadal and NBA hero Gasol have targeted raising 11 million euros ($12.3million) in the nation that has suffered the second-highest total of coronavirus deaths. “The Spanish people have never let us athletes down. We are what we are because of them,” said Nadal,.

“We cannot let them down now,” said the World No.2 tennis player.

Nadal said he came up with the idea and called his fellow Spaniard and friend Gasol to help promote his drive. “Spanish athletes have always tried to make our nation proud, today we want to go beyond that,” said Gasol, the Milwaukee Bucks star and double NBA champion.

Among the first to react was World Cup winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas. “It’s the time for Spanish sport and it’s up to us to do our part,” he tweeted. “I have already contributed.”

PSG raise over €250,000

PSG have raised over 200,000 euros (£180,603.48 pounds) for local healthcare professionals battling the coronavirus outbreak with the release of a limited edition jersey, the Ligue 1 champions have said.

The shirt is a replica of PSG’s current home strip but has the words ‘Tous Unis’ (All Together) where the main sponsor logo usually sits and features badges pledging support to doctors.

The club confirmed here on Twitter they had sold out a batch of 1,500 shirts via their online store on Thursday night, with all the proceeds going to Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris.

Umpire Aleem Dar offers free food

Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar has offered to provide free food at his restaurant in Lahore for the unemployed people amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Dar runs a restaurant under the name Dar’s Delighto’ and he has announced that people, who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 pandemic, can have their meals at his restaurant.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has also donating disinfectant soap, material and food to the needy in the country.

Harbhajan joins hands with CRY

India and Chennai Super Kings spinner Harbhajan Singh has collaborated with CRY to help 3.5 lakh underprivileged children and grassroots healthcare workers.

Ace Indian sprinter Hima Das has pledged to donate her one month’s salary to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Das will be donating her salary to Assam’s COVID-19 relief fund.

Agencies