AFC/FIFA Asian Stars Inspire Fans To Join AFC’s #StayActive Challenge
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Iraq legend Emad Mohamad Reza, Islamic Republic of Iran’s Mohammad Rashid Mazaheri and Nepal forward Bharat Khawas are the latest Asian stars to underline the importance of physical and mental wellbeing during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in today’s episode of the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) #StayActive campaign.

In the last month, the engaging #StayActive series has continued to promote the World Health Organization’s (WHO) call to action to keep fit, stay healthy and practice physical distancing, while fostering community-building by focusing on the exercise routines of Asia’s stars who are encouraging fans to share their experiences and inspiring more to join the movement.

Former Iraqi diminutive attacker Mohamad, who amassed more than 100 appearances for the Lions of Mesopotamia including guiding them to a fourth-place finish at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, said: “All of us are making changes to our daily routines and adapting to this new lifestyle can cause fear and some anxiety, particularly for those who are vulnerable. It is vital for people of all ages and abilities to stay as active as possible especially during this crisis.

“Regular physical activity uplifts both the body and mind and this pandemic has given us the opportunity to embrace and create new routines, which can be beneficial in managing the conditions that can increase our susceptibility to COVID-19.

“Fighting this virus begins with us, every individual doing their part to stay active and responsible, so I urge everyone to join us in creating more purposeful, driven, and stronger communities for a better and brighter future.”

Mazaheri, who was voted by football fans as the best shot stopper of the AFC Champions League 2016 campaign in a recent poll conducted by the-AFC.com, added: “Keeping a positive mindset, maintaining our personal hygiene, physical distancing and staying active is perhaps our most powerful response and deterrent towards navigating these challenging times.

“Social distancing is an important way to protect ourselves but it does not mean we need to feel isolated. Now more than ever, we must find ways to strengthen our bonds of friendship and keeping fit together can bring relief and comfort.

"Football has always been a unifying force and while we may not be able to bring joy to fans on the pitch, our mission as players, through this stay active campaign, is to give everyone a platform to create memorable moments together.”

Nepal Army skipper Khawas, who earlier this year celebrated his 50th goal in the Nepal A Division also appears in today’s #StayActive episode with Thai international Sasalak Haiprakhon and Afghanistan captain Farshad Noor set to feature in the upcoming series.

Fans across the world now have the opportunity to be featured on the AFC’s digital channels. Simply emulate your favourite Asian star and share it, using the hashtag #StayActive.

Watch the latest #StayActive video here (https://www.the-afc.com/videos/afc-s-stayactive-campaign-x9960) and join the fitness challenge now!

AFC

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