Courtesy-Mathrubhmi English
It was perhaps the most valuable shirt in footballer CK Ubaid’s possession. In it, the 31-year-old goalkeeper marshaled Kozhikode outfit Gokulam Kerala FC’s goalposts as they won the 2020-21 I-League title and became Kerala’s first team to do so.
There were a lot of memories associated with it after going through a variety of events such as being in a bio-bubble, engaging in one of the tightest I-League title matches, and the open-top bus procession carrying the title through the streets of Kozhikode.
However, as the country battles the second wave of COVID-19, Ubaid has chosen to auction off his jersey and contribute the proceeds to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. The jersey’s basic price has been fixed at Rs.15,000, but considering its history, there will be many takers for this one-of-a-kind souvenir.
.@ubaidckofficial auctions off Hero @ILeagueOfficial winning @GokulamKeralaFC jersey đ for Kerala CMâs COVID Relief Fund, âď¸ @soumo17
Read đ https://t.co/7T9s0o7IF6#IndianFootballAgainstCOVID đ #HeroILeague đ #IndianFootball â˝ pic.twitter.com/QRJ9bDO5Oq
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) May 22, 2021
“It has way too many memories associated with it. It was a surreal season both on and off the field, and winning the title with Gokulam and being the first Kerala team to achieve it is even more meaningful. I had planned to frame it and keep it at home, but when I was approached about having it auctioned off, I didn’t hesitate because the money raised might benefit a lot of people. I thought this might make a difference and perhaps inspire others to step up and do their part,” Ubaid said.
. @ubaidckofficial has decided to auction his I-League jersey and donate the amount to Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund as part of the #vaccinechallege. For further details head to our stories đ#GKFC #Malabarians #ILeague #covid_19 pic.twitter.com/6Tqb2rF8x3
— Gokulam Kerala FC (@GokulamKeralaFC) May 19, 2021