New Delhi: Sportspersons may have generously offered support in India’s battle against Coronavirus, but none have been as large hearted as Zakeer Mundampara’s offer to lend his home to fight the CoVID-19 pandemic.

The Kerala footballer recently offered his two-storey residence at Areekode to be converted into a makeshift COVID-19 treatment centre.

He also is part of an initiative to distribute food in his locality to families affected by the virus.

Zakeer is currently staying with his pregnant wife Fasila at her in-laws home in Edavannappara. They already have a daughter. Since his house at Areekode, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, is lying vacant, he thought of providing it for quarantine purposes.

“My home panchayat has taken note of my offer. They could use my house once those Indians who are stuck in the UAE and Saudi Arabia arrive in Kerala,” the 29-year-old told Sports Lounge.

Kerala is one of the worst COVID-19 affected states in the country with over 370 recorded cases. Over 140 has recovered in the state, the highest in India and two have died thus far.

“The situation has improved in Kerala but two-three districts (some 200 kms from my home in Mallapuram district are seriously affected,” Zakeer said.

He played for Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Kerala Blasters in the 2018-19 season. But violent conduct against the referee during an ISL match against Mumbai City earned him a six-month suspension, effectively ending his 2020-21 campaign.

He was preparing to get back in shape for the 2020-21 season but the ongoing nationwide lockdown has scuppered up his plans.

“I am working on maintaining my fitness at home in the limited space available. But it is not an ideal scenario,” the former Mohun Bagan midfielder added.

He is also hoping to hear from Kerala Blasters regarding an offer for the upcoming season but he understands that the global health crisis could delay contract talks.

Hence the former Indian U-23 international has volunteered to help those in need during the global health crisis. He has attached himself with his local club Areekode Chakkamthodu FC’s initiative of distributing food kits to affected families.

The COVID-19 pandemic has halted sporting activities in the country and beyond.

The I-League and the second division I-League have been halted indefinitely due to the worsening pandemic. Mohun Bagan have already won the I-League with four rounds still left in the competition.

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