Coronavirus: Bengal’s female athletes take charge to help the needy amid lockdown

The deadly threat of the coronavirus pandemic has put the whole world on pause. Everyone has been forced to stay in isolation in their homes, all sporting events have been cancelled or postponed and there is no word on when things will return back to normal.

The women’s football league in West Bengal remains suspended, other events are also not happening. In such times, female athletes from Bengal have decided to take charge and do some good for the society by helping the needy during the 21-day country wide lockdown. From footballers to volleyball players, these athletes have taken the onus upon themselves to help anyone in need.

Coronavirus is spreading rapidly in India (Source: Deccan Chronicle)

Anyone needs anything, food items, medical supplies or any other essential items, these athletes are personally delivering whatever is required at the doorsteps. Some of these athletes have also been spotted riding around police jeeps and spreading the message of social distancing while some others are stationed at the government hospitals, helping the medical staff. In fact, before the lockdown, these sports persons were aiding with the testing of incoming travellers.

Juhi Chandra, a footballer hailing from Barasat, is one of them civic volunteers who is out on the streets, helping in the fight against Covid-19. “If someone is not getting to eat, we are immediately sending rice, pulses, potatoes from the police station. We are delivering the items ourselves. Also, if we come to know of anyone who is facing any problems because of the lockdown, we are informing the police station and trying to help, doing our bit,” she told Bengali daly Anandabazar Patrika.

Another athlete, Mantu Poddar, a volleyball player, is working at the same station. Unlike Juhi, though, she is focussing on spreading awareness about the disease and the importance of maintaining social distancing during these times.

More such athletes like Arundhati De, Kusumita Das among others in Bengal are working alongside the police. These athletes maybe away from their sport for the time being, but they don’t hesitate when there is a call to fight Covid-19.

Also read: FC Goa footballer Mohammad Nawaz supports people by distributing essentials