Pullela Gopichand gives Rs26 lakh in fight against Coronavirus pandemic

The legendary Indian coach has donated to different relief funds.

As the Coronavirus pandemic is spreading across India, many known personalities are donating money to help the government in these tough times. The latest induction to this group is India's chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand.

The former All England champion has contributed a total of ₹26 lakh to fight the pandemic. Pullela Gopichand, who won the Arjuna award, Dronacharya award and Padma Bhushan, donated ₹11 lakh to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund (PM CARES), ₹10 lakh to the Telangana Relief Fund and ₹5 lakh to the Andhra Pradesh CM Relief Fund.

“I am just making my small contribution to help the Centre and the State Government fight COVID-19. Our country is so diverse and despite all the challenges, the Central and State Governments are doing a great job, "Pullela Gopichand told TOI.

He also added that India’s economy will be hit due to this pandemic and everyone should come forward to help as much as they can.

“Let us all help them by doing our bit, especially by following instructions and staying at home. Our economy will also be hit. We should all help whenever possible. We can win this battle together,” remarked Gopichand.

The active cases of COVID-19 in India have surpassed 3500 with 109 deaths. A total of 292 people have been cured, discharged or migrated.

Many Indian sports icons have already donated to the cause. One of Pullela Gopichand’s students and India’s star shuttler PV Sindhu contributed ₹5 lakh each to the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh CM relief funds while cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar gave ₹25 lakh each to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra's Relief Fund.

Sourav Ganguly, Hima Das, Bajrang Punia, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and other sports icons have also contributed for the cause.