Asian soccer stars pledge support to BreakTheChain campaign

The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) #BreakTheChain campaign marked a significant milestone on Saturday with more than 50 players and officials pledging their support to the COVID-19 public awareness movement since its launch just 48 hours ago.

The COVID-19 epidemic continues to impact the global sporting calendar but that has not stopped Asia’s biggest names from sharing inspiring messages of solidarity and timely reminders on the best health practices and guidelines put in place by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Australia and Chelsea FC star Samantha Kerr, Uzbekistan and Shanghai SIPG ace Odil Ahmedov as well as Al Faisaly and Jordan’s Yousef Al Rawashdeh are just some of the latest Asian stars making their voices heard in the latest episode.

Kerr, who was named AFC Women’s Player of the Year in 2017 said: “Football has given me an incredible platform, and now I am proud to lend my voice, through the AFC’s #BreakTheChain campaign, to support our health care workforce, frontline and essential services professionals and everyone who has been affected by this outbreak.

“Regardless of our nationalities, age and backgrounds, all of us have a responsibility to do our part, to follow the guidelines put in place by the World Health Organization. It is only by standing united, as one global community, each doing our part to break the chain together that we will be able to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Ahmedov, who is among a rare group of icons in Uzbekistan’s football history to join the centurions’ club, echoed Kerr’s sentiments, adding: “Football has a wonderful ability to bring the world together, and now, more than ever, it is important that we stand united as one to stop the spread of COVID-19, and for this reason, I am proud to be a part of the AFC’s #BreakTheChain campaign.

“This will be one of the toughest opponents we ever face, but if we stay positive, follow the recommendations of our health experts and each do our part, together we can break the chain to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy.”

The list of Asian legends are growing in numbers each day with the latest episodes featuring Asian football and Saudi Arabia legend Yasser Al Qahtani, Hong Kong’s history-making coach Chan Yuen Ting as well as South Korea and two-time FA Women’s Super League and Women’s FA Cup winner with Chelsea, Ji So-yun doing their part to spread the #BreakTheChain message.

Former India skipper Bhaichung Bhutia will be an integral part of the AFC’s efforts to create awareness among the general public about the coronavirus pandemic.

“The #BreakTheChain campaign features some of Asia’s finest from all across the Continent, such as 2018 AFC Women’s Player of the Year, Wang Shuang from China, Indian legend Bhutia and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors’ and 2016 AFC Champions League winner Lee Dong-gook with several more big names poised to join the series in the upcoming instalments,” the AFC said in a statement.

Not just footballers, but also sportspersons across the globe are using social media to send out messages to ensure that people follow the directives of the government as the world has joined hands to fight the pandemic.