Coronavirus: Ambekar, Dhanachandra in FIFA-WHO's #BeActive campaign

Players from either side of the Kolkata Derby divide came together to spread a strong message towards being active in the time of isolation.

In the wake of the devastating pandemic of coronavirus, players from clubs that are fierce rivals have come together to promote FIFA's call to action in partnership with the World Health Organization.

The fierce Kolkata Derby rivals showed a rare moment of togetherness and solidarity to encourage people to remain active during the lockdown, mentioning certain exercises that can be performed during the period.

In this initiative, Mohun Bagan were represented by Dhanachandra Singh and Shilton Paul, whereas East Bengal were represented by Abhishek Ambekar and Abhijit Sarkar.

Through the 60-70 second clip, the four players stressed the importance of people practicing safe social distancing and also utilizing the time to keep themselves fit and active.

The rivals helped spread the message, in line with big clubs in Asia like Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Shenhua as well as outfits from other countries notably Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool FC and Manchester United.

The campaign is part of FIFA and WHO's collective call to action, the #BeActive initiative, that was initiated as part of celebrating the UN's International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. As many as 20 football clubs from all over the world have signed up for the cause, with most of them being major rivals on the pitch.

The football clubs showed their call to unity in times of such adversity and have put their rivalries aside, urging fans to stay safe and healthy by prescribing simple and effective exercises as part of their daily fitness routine.

More clubs and players are expected to join the global cause and help propagate FIFA's message to every corner of the planet, as the world fights hard to curb the damage that is being caused by the coronavirus.