COVID-19: Indian women’s hockey team raises Rs 20 lakh

The Indian team raised the money through an 18-day fitness challenge, which concluded on May 3 and resulted in raising Rs 20,01,130.

Indian women's hockey team skipper Rani Rampal during a media interaction.

The Indian women’s hockey team’s efforts to crowd-fund support for poor and migrant workers has managed to raise more than Rs. 20 lakhs through an 18-day online challenge.

The effort, launched on April 17 with an initial target of Rs. 15 lakh to feed 1000 families, saw the girls crossing that mark with tremendous support from both celebrities and common people. The team managed a total of Rs. 20,01,130 to provide ration for more than 1000 families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fitness challenge that ended on May 3 involved team members giving a new challenge everyday and tagging 10 people on the social media, who has to accept it and donate just Rs 100 each besides forwarding the challenge to others. It also encouraged people to adopt an active lifestyle during the lockdown.

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“The response has been overwhelming and I would like to thank everyone who took part in this initiative to help the poor,” captain Rani Rampal said.

“Initially when we discussed this challenge with coach Sjoerd Marijne, we didn't think the outcome would be so immense. But we saw people's support grow everyday. We would also like to thank Hockey India, coach Marijne and entire support staff for backing us in this initiative,” vice-captain Savita added.

Several current and former India players including SV Sunil, Dhanraj Pillay, Gagan Ajit Singh, Yuvraj Walmiki and current Haryana sports minister Sandeep Singh also contributed to the cause besides state associations and team officials like scientific advisor Wayne Lombard.

The ration would be distributed through Delhi-based NGO Uday Foundation.