Better ‘Late’ Than Never: Indian Football Team To Donate Rs 50,000 Fine Money To Blind Counterparts, And Thus ‘Evolve’ 

The Indian National Football Team players have decided to donate Rs 50,000 of their disciplinary breach fines to the Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF), India Today reports.

The amount was collected from the Indian players for minor disciplinary breaches like coming late for training, carrying mobile phones during meal time and wearing the wrong attire.

The IBFF will purchase footballs with the money donated by Sunil Chhetri and his teammates. "it's important to give it back to the community", coach Stephen Constantine said, while adding that the footballs blind players use cost around 50 dollars each (Rs 3,500).

Indian and Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu said the players "support the noble cause wholeheartedly" while adding that they “loved” the idea of helping others with the money.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper adds, "The sanctions are there to impart discipline amongst us. Although nobody wants to be fined, this initiative makes us believe in the larger aspects of life. If we are able to contribute for a cause, why not. It helps us be better individuals."

The sporting director of IBFF, Sunil J Mathew, thanked the Blue Tigers for their initiative and support.

"This is to acknowledge and thank you for the donation towards helping cover the stay & kit expenses at the National Blind Football Academy at Kochi," he said, while wishing the staff and the national team best wishes for the ongoing AFC Asian Cup.