Quang Hai inspires global community in latest #BreakTheChain episode
Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran’s Alireza Faghani, regarded as one of the finest match officials in world football, teams up with Southeast Asian and Vietnamese revelation Nguyen Quang Hai as well as China PR’s Wang Shanshan to deliver the latest instalment of the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) #BreakTheChain campaign.
With millions around the world engaged through the #BreakTheChain series, the trio are the latest Asian icons to raise awareness on practising the necessary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 while urging everyone to follow the health and personal hygiene guidelines put in place by the Word Health Organization (WHO).
Faghani, who officiated the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 third-place playoff between Belgium and England, hailed the efforts of healthcare professionals across the globe, commenting: “No words can express my gratitude to our nurses, doctors and frontline professionals for putting ahead the needs of everyone around the world.
“They have made such incredible sacrifices by risking their lives each day so that we and our loved ones can be safe and healthy.
“I ask all my friends in Asia and across the world to please listen to them. They cannot do this alone. We can all thank them and protect our loved ones by remaining united to break the chain and stop the spread of this virus.”
Meanwhile, Quang Hai, who announced his arrival on the Continent’s biggest stage after shining for Vietnam in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 with a wonder strike against Yemen, said: “In the fight against this virus, just as in football, there is no substitute for teamwork. The greatest comebacks in all aspects of life, requires everyone coming together to work in unity.
“This is our best chance of defeating this virus. I urge everyone to follow the instructions of the true unsung heroes of this outbreak – our healthcare professionals. We can all break the chain by keeping safe, staying positive and with some patience and discipline, we will rise above this outbreak.”
China PR’s Wang Shanshan is one of the most experienced women’s players in the world with more than 130 caps for her country and is one of almost 100 Asian stars have offered their voices to the highly engaging #BreakTheChain campaign. Several more icons including Thailand and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo duo Chanathip Songkrasin and Kawin Thamsatchanan will feature in the next wave of videos in the coming days.
