Update: As of 12 noon on 16th July we have exceeded our target of 5 Lakhs! Thank you so much for your generous contributions. All further donations made to this cause will be transferred to the PlayforIndia COVID-19 Relief Fund.
About the Cause Champions
This cause is being championed by Aparna Popat and is being supported by Dronacharya Awardees Vimal Kumar and Pullela Gopichand.
Aparna Popat is a 2-time Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and former National champion in Badminton. She holds the record for having won the most consecutive senior national titles, having won 9 straight from 1997 to 2006. Post her retirement from professional Badminton she has spoken at multiple public forums and has been a strong and vocal advocate for the spirit of Olympism.
Vimal Kumar is a former Olympian and French Open Champion. Padma Bhushan Pullela Gopichand is a former Olympian and All-England Champion. Through their coaching, both of them have been instrumental in the rise of Badminton in India leading to multiple Olympic and World Championship Medals.
About the Cause
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world in different ways. In India, almost all sporting activities have been disrupted or stopped across the country adversely affecting those who depend on sport for their livelihood.
Badminton is one such sport that has been tremendously affected by the current situation.
While Indian Badminton has developed and grown leaps and bounds, many people associated with it are struggling to make ends meet at this time. For them, the income from badminton is their family’s only means of livelihood. Due to the ongoing crisis, they are finding it very difficult to sustain themselves and their families during these tough times.
#TogetherWeRally is an initiative championed by Aparna Popat in partnership with GoSports Foundation to raise funds for these people who are in dire financial need through a one-time grant of Rs. 10,000 each.
We aim to support 50 individuals by raising an amount of Rs. 5,00,000 over till July 12th.
Intended Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries for this cause are markers, housekeeping/caretaking staff, coaches and players. Over the years, individuals such as these have been silent contributors of the sport. In many ways, they have taken care of the sport and now is the time to take care of them
They have been identified through a network of trusted individuals who have been deeply involved with badminton as players/coaches over the last 20 years. All funds collected for this purpose will be directly transferred to the accounts of the beneficiaries.
We urge all badminton fans and well-wishers to contribute as every rupee matters.