Former India footballer Renedy Singh is arranging oxygen cylinders for Manipur to battle COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is a difficult time for everyone. Our frontline workers have been working tirelessly. It was high time we stepped in to try and assist in any way possible,” Renedy said according to All India Football Federation.

“We have friends from different fields like doctors, police officers, IAS officers, businessmen — all of whom have joined the campaign to try and help,” Singh added.

“Manipuri people, who are currently overseas, as well as people from Manipur and all over the country all have come forward and are contributing in whatever way they can. We are trying to buy oxygen cylinders and hand them over to those who are in need and especially frontline workers.”

“Manipur is a little cut off from other places because of the pandemic. Our government is trying its level best but everything takes time. We have 3 oxygen plants in the state but the capacity is not much. Hospitals have been unable to increase oxygen beds as well.”

“Our first aim is gathering empty, as well as full oxygen cylinders and supplying those to hospitals. Acquiring oxygen concentrators is also in the pipeline.”

“The requirement of cylinders is approximately around 1000-1500 per day. The government of Manipur has centralized all donations through a common channel, the Chief Minister’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. We’re also contributing to the same.”

Renedy requested all to make sure that the northeastern state do not go under crisis.

“We started this campaign three days ago and the response has been remarkable. It is difficult to donate during this tough time but if someone is in a better state, I would request him/her to help,” he stated.