Huynh Nhu, Zhang, and Elias latest to lend voice behind the #BreakTheChain campaign
Kuala Lumpur: China PR and Beijing Guoan’s Zhang Xizhe, Vietnamese women’s team captain Huynh Nhu as well as Thailand and Port FC’s Elias Dolah are the latest Asian stars to offer their support in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) #BreakTheChain public awareness campaign.
The #BreakTheChain series, which has connected with millions of fans to share the inspiring messages in the battle against the current coronavirus pandemic, has gathered more than 100 Asian icons to promote the health and safety guidelines from the World Health Organization.
Huynh, who scored for Vietnam in their Olympic Play-off against Australia in March urged fans to do their part in this battle.
“In the past few months, we have witnessed countless heart-warming stories. We see doctors and nurses around the world fighting in the front lines and people looking after the welfare of others. Despite the adversity, we are still united and continue to show kindness and hope,” said the 28-year-old Ho Chi Minh forward.
“Hard times bring people together. The coronavirus pandemic has affected our normal lives. What we need to do now is be responsible and support those who are risking their lives to save others. Maintain social distancing and wash your hands frequently. Let’s play our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Meanwhile, Elias, who led Port FC to the Football Association of Thailand Cup title in 2019, said: “There are challenging times in football when we face strong opponents, but the cooperation and solidarity of the entire team is a powerful weapon to overcome the opponent. We should harbor the same spirit in our fight against COVID-19 and defeat this invisible enemy by being united.
“Follow the health and personal hygiene guidelines by the World Health Organization and your local medical authorities. In the meantime, stay positive, share the inspiring messages to your friends and families and use the quarantine time to create better habits like reading, learning about nutrition and improving your fitness. I’m confident we will get through this together and return to our normal lives.”
Zhang, the Chinese Football Association Cup 2018 MVP winner who led Beijing Guoan to the crown, also features in the latest AFC’s #BreakTheChain episode with the upcoming series set to include Shanghai Shenhua’s Cao Yunding, Al Duhail’s Ismail Mohamad as well as Thailand and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo’s Kawin Thamsatchanan.
