Chennaiyin FC striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is doing his part to help in the fight against the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The two-time Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) champion donated blood at the Synod Hospital in Durtlang, Mizoram, to do his bit amidst the ongoing crisis.

With the whole country under lockdown and everyone urged to stay indoors, the India international felt this was the best way he could contribute to the cause.

“Due to the lockdown, blood units are not readily available nowadays. So, the Hospital connected with the Young Mizo Association (YMA) seeking help. The news reached me, and I knew immediately what I needed to do,” the 29-year-old said in an interview with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website.

“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. It’s not about me or someone else, it’s about the human race that needs to fight together now, more than ever,” Jeje added.

The Young Mizo Association (YMA) is the largest NGO in Mizoram which primarily works in the state as well as in a few parts of the other north-eastern states. In fact, this is not the first time that Jeje has involved himself in philanthropic activities. He has risen to the occasion many times, whenever the situation has demanded.

“It is so satisfying that I have been able to play a minor role. I thank the Almighty for giving me the strength. 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 part 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 will India heal,” the Mizo striker stated.

The striker missed out the entirety of the Hero ISL 2019-20 season due to an injury as his team Chennaiyin FC went on to reach the final but eventually fell short against ATK FC in the title decider.

Jeje, who last played for India in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, was called up by national team head coach Igor Stimac for the National Camp for the World Cup qualifier against Qatar, which was eventually postponed due to the ongoing situation.