AIFF to organise 2 charity matches for Kerala and Himachal Pradesh relief aid

Kolkata: The All India Football Federation, on Wednesday announced to organise two charity football matches in aid of relief work in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh.

As proposed by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, the Indian supreme football governing body is working towards scheduling its first benefit match in Manjeri (Malappuram), Kerala, on August 30.

Historic Kolkata outfit Mohammedan Sporting Club have agreed to play the fund-raiser in Manjeri against a Super League Kerala XI.

The AIFF has proposed September 2, as the date for the second charity match in Lucknow. Further details are being chalked out by the AIFF with the prospective clubs.

The two states are faced with devastating natural disasters, with the southern state of Kerala yet to come to terms with the aftermath of a massive landslide in Wayanad, while Himachal Pradesh continues to receive rain-related fresh floods and landslides, affecting lifelines at multiple locations.

Chaubey said “I’m happy that one of India’s oldest clubs, Mohammedan Sporting, immediately agreed to our proposal for the cause of humanity. We are also in advance conversation with two clubs for the Lucknow match.

“Sports is a powerful medium to offer comfort and heal humanity after such tragedies,” added Chaubey, urging fans: “We often celebrate cups won by clubs; let's now come together to raise the cup of solidarity.”

According to a study by University of Memphis, researchers who analysed sport and disaster relief, sport plays a key role in community recovery efforts through donations, emotional support, spreading awareness and enabling psychological recovery.