Xtra Time Web Desk: In an act of noble gesture, the Indian football team has decided to donate a part of the cash award it has received from the Odisha government for the Intercontinental Cup triumph towards “relief and rehabilitation” of families affected by the recent train accident in the state.
The Blue Tigers lifted the Hero Intercontinental Trophy beating Lebanon 2-0 in the title clash at the Kalinga stadium on Sunday. Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte scored for the hosts.
Following the win, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a cash reward of Rs 1 crore for the team, from which Igor Stimac’s wards have “collectively” decided to donate Rs 20 lakh.
“We’re grateful for the gesture by the Government of Odisha to award the team with a cash bonus for our win. In what was an instant and collective decision by the dressing room, we’ve decided to donate Rs. 20 lakh of that money towards relief and rehabilitation work for families affected by the unfortunate train accident in the state earlier this month,” the Indian Football Team tweeted.
“Nothing will compensate for the loss that people have faced, but we hope that this plays its own little part in helping families cope and tide through what are very tough times.”
The accident claimed the lives of nearly 300 passengers and left over 1,000 injured, involving Yeshwantpur-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express and a goods train.