Asian stars urge fans to stand united to #BreakTheChain
Shahr Khodro and former Islamic Republic of Iran goalkeeper Mahdi Rahmati and Philippines and Ceres Negros midfielder Manny Ott as well as Nepal women’s team forward Sabitra Bhandari are the latest trio to join forces in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) #BreakTheChain series.
The mass awareness campaign which shines the spotlight on tackling the transmission of COVID-19 has already reached millions of viewers since its launch two weeks ago and continues to leave a positive and empowering impact in encouraging the best personal hygiene practices and guidelines initiated by the World Health Organization.
Ott, whose versatility in midfield was instrumental in leading Ceres Negros to their first-ever AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal crown in 2017, said: “To all the frontliners, medical professionals, policemen, guards, grocery workers, sanitation personnel, I want to thank every individual who is fighting against the virus, keeping us safe, and making sure we have what we need to stay at home and help flatten the curve. You are the real heroes.
“I wish for everyone to stay healthy and use this time to reflect, recharge, and spend time with family. We shouldn’t hesitate to help if we can – whether it’s donating protective equipment, providing meals, or other donations to show our appreciation to our frontliners. I bet everyone misses football action as much as I do, but football will always be around. For now, stay safe, take care and break the chain.”
Shahr Khodro’s Rahmati, whose penalty shootout save against Qatar’s Al Sailiya in this year’s AFC Champions League playoff saw the Iranian side clinch their maiden spot in the Group Stage, added: “The severity of COVID-19 cannot be understated nor underestimated. We as players must use our voice to emphasise the need for change in behaviours for the benefit of the entire global community.
“There are millions of people working day and night, essential service and medical workers putting themselves in great danger so that we can continue to live in comfort. I want to personally thank them for their courage, and I urge everyone to follow their advice.
“Our greatest heroes and resource are our medical workers, and our greatest strength lies in our ability to stand together with them to break the chain.”
Rahmati and Ott’s tribute to the healthcare community is a timely and fitting reminder as the AFC dedicates its next #BreakTheChain episode to the Continent’s doctors and medical practitioners in a special feature tomorrow.
Among the Asian icons set to appear next week include United Arab Emirates star and the 100th player to join the campaign Ali Mabkhout, Thai Futsal sensation Suphawut Thueanklang and Islamic Republic of Iran and Persepolis custodian, and the fan’s favourite as one of the Asian World Cup star players , Alireza Beiranvand.
