Indian Super League clubs come forward in fight against COVID-19

These teams have set a classy example for the other clubs, who can now be expected to join them and make the movement stronger.

The whole world is going through turmoil right now. Just when it seemed like things could slowly get back to normal post the outbreak of COVID-19, the virus has started wreaking havoc once again.

India, in particular, has been affected quite badly by COVID-19. The country is currently facing the second major wave of infections since last year and everyone is hard at work in trying to test, treat and eradicate the virus. Social media is rife with people seeking help in the form of hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, vaccines and so on. They are being guided by numerous social workers, media personnel and others in a bid to ensure that everyone gets what they want, regardless of what part of the country they are from.

Meanwhile, in what is a noble gesture, a few Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have also joined hands in this daunting battle against COVID-19. Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United are the three teams that have come together at the time of writing, in a bid to amplify the calls for assistance and thereby speed up the process of them receiving the help that they are looking for.

How it began

It all began with the Marina Machans posting on Saturday, April 24 that they will be sharing all requests via their own Twitter handle.

"In the coming days, we at Chennaiyin FC are dedicating our tweets to those with urgent COVID-19 requirements across Tamil Nadu. Tag us and we will share your requests so that our Twitter community can connect and help each other out. Let’s fight this battle together," the club announced.

https://twitter.com/ChennaiyinFC/status/1385888407830683648?s=20

It also needs to be mentioned that Jamshedpur FC had already started amplifying requests on their Twitter page since April 22.

https://twitter.com/JamshedpurFC/status/1386356790179233793?s=20

What happened next

Kerala Blasters picked up from where their neighbours left off, as they too joined the movement on Sunday. The Yellow Army tweeted, "We would like to join hands with Chennaiyin FC and use our Twitter page to amplify any needs for people in Kerala. Please tag us and we will re-share as many tweets as possible. At a time like this, we urge everyone to stay home and be safe."

https://twitter.com/KeralaBlasters/status/1386268214661844999?s=20

It did not take too long for NorthEast United to follow suit.

A little over an hour later, the Highlanders revealed that they are drawing inspiration from the two southern clubs and adding strength to the ongoing crusade against COVID-19. "Like Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters, we would like to offer our Twitter page to amplify the needs of the people in the Northeast as we fight this pandemic. Please tag us and we will retweet as many as possible," they announced.

https://twitter.com/NEUtdFC/status/1386294006632435719?s=20

Updates: The latest teams to join hands on this venture are Odisha FC, Hyderabad FC and Mumbai City FC. "During these difficult & trying times, OFC will join hands with NEUFC, CFC & KBFC to dedicate its Twitter & Instagram pages to amplify the needs of the people of Odisha. Tag us in your tweets & we will retweet as many as possible," the Juggernauts wrote on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/OdishaFC/status/1386318753009332224?s=20

"We’re with our friends Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United FC & Odisha FC in using our social media feeds to amplify the urgent needs of the people in Hyderabad & Telangana, fighting against COVID-19! Tag us in your posts & we will reshare! We're in this together!" announced Hyderabad FC.

https://twitter.com/HydFCOfficial/status/1386327532379672581?s=20

"In our fight against COVID-19, we will be using our social media to share the urgent needs of people across Maharashtra & bring our communities closer. Tag us in your tweets & we will amplify them. We urge you to stay at home & stay safe," tweeted Mumbai City ahead of joining the crusade.

https://twitter.com/MumbaiCityFC/status/1386352795545047041?s=20

Each of the seven teams have already started work on sharing requirements and finding help for the needy.

The road ahead

It goes without saying that Jamshedpur, Chennaiyin, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United, Odisha, Hyderabad and Mumbai City have set a classy example for other Indian football clubs. Hopefully, the movement will grow stronger in the coming days, with more teams joining them. After all the competition that happened between them in the league season, it is now time for them to come together, stay united and fight for a much larger cause.

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