Game of soccer in Assam heralds awareness about swine flu

Guwahati, Aug 14 (ANI): In its efforts to create awareness among the masses about the spread of deadly H1N1 virus and take preventive measures, a soccer tourney was organised at Lokhra in Guwahati.

These unconventional 'masked' games were held under the auspices of Udyan Krishti Sangha, a club of Guwahati.

The players played the game wearing facemasks during the three-day tournament which has been a regular annual event coinciding with Independence Day celebrations.

However, this time round when the entire nation is gripped by the menace of swine flu, players of Rainbow XI Club appeared on Thursday wearing protective masks to create awareness about the virus among the rural folk, who have little knowledge about the disease.

"By wearing these masks, we want to spread awareness among the villagers what swine flu is all about," said Manoj Basumatary, a player of Rainbow Club.

T Medhi, a member of the Udyan Krishti Sangha lauded the efforts of the club members.

"It's a very good initiative by the club members. I appreciate their efforts. Through this, people would at least understand to take precautionary measures against this deadly disease," said T Medhi.

Meanwhile, cases of positive swine flu have also come to light from the northeast region.ith the rise in the death toll and also the number of H1N1 influenza cases, fear has gripped among people across India.

Apprehending the spread of virus, people have resorted to wearing masks and as a result there has been a shortage of masks in several parts of the country as well. (ANI)