New Delhi, March 22 (IANS): Athletes at the Sports Authority of India (SAI), including Mirabai Chanu and Hima Das in Patiala, thanked those who are working at the forefront to save the country from the corona pandemic by clapping and banging on plates with spoons.

In a video, former world champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and star athlete Hima Das are seen joining in the masses across the country and clapping to show solidarity with the medical professionals who are working day and night to keep the deadly coronavirus at bay.

Star wrestler Bajrang Punia also tweeted with a video of claps and bells reverberating in his locality.

"I thank all the health-care workers and all the people in the frontline fighting COVID-19. You are the real heroes I salute you," he said in a tweet.

At SAI centre in Bengaluru, two hockey teams also joined in to show support.

Earlier on Thursday night, Modi had appealed to the people to mark this Sunday as 'Janata Curfew' from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.