Amid the nationwide lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, Indian striker Jeje Lalpekhlua chose to rise to a noble cause.

“Due to the lockdown, blood units are not readily available nowadays. So the hospital reached out to the Young Mizo Association (YMA) seeking help. The news reached me and I immediately knew what I needed to do,” the 29-year-old was quoted saying by the All India Football Federation website.

Jeje didn’t delay when he heard that the nearby Synod Hospital, Durtlang, needed blood and immediately rushed there. “You cannot keep quiet and sit idle during such circumstances,” he said.

The YMA is the largest non-governmental voluntary organisation in Mizoram which operates primarily in the state and some parts of other northeastern states as well.

“Upon receiving the information we chalked out our plan. We headed to the hospital from the Durtlang branch of YMA. Out of 33 who had reported, 27 were deemed fit to donate,” Jeje said, “It’s not about me or someone else, it’s about the human race that needs to fight together now, more than ever.”

“It is so satisfying that I have been able to play a minor role. I thank the Almighty for giving me the strength”. This is not the first time that Jeje has been involved in philanthropic activities. He has time and again risen to the occasion in Mizoram whenever the situation has demanded. Someone had to stand by them. If a hospital is falling short of blood units, we need to help. We all need to play our parts during the crisis. The most difficult part, I understand, is to stay at home. But it’s very necessary. The longer we stay at home, the faster India will heal,” he said.

Jeje who last played for India in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, was summoned for the National Camp for the match against Qatar, which was eventually postponed.