Ahmad Abu Ghaush is among the athletes to have supported the initiative ©Getty Images

The Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC) has encouraged its athletes to join a campaign which encourages people to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Be the Champ, Stay at Home" has run on social media and is aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19.

As with other countries, Jordan has enforced a nationwide lockdown as part of its battle against coronavirus.

Athletes supporting the initiative include taekwondo's Ahmad Abu Ghaush, who claimed the first Olympic medal in Jordan's history when he won gold in the men's 68 kilograms class at Rio 2016.

He has been joined by basketball's Farah Shiyyab, rugby player Feras Khalifah, boxers Reem Al Shammar and Udai Hindawi, shooter Fuad Madi, judoka Bilal Al Sodi, jiu jitsu's Zaid Granduke, taekwondo player Juliana Al Sadeq and wrestler Yayhia Abu Tabeekh.

As with other countries, Jordan has locked down during the coronavirus crisis ©Getty Images
As with other countries, Jordan has locked down during the coronavirus crisis ©Getty Images

National judo coach Mohammad Khalaf has also been involved.

"We are proud of the leadership qualities that our athletes are displaying in the fight to combat coronavirus," said JOC President HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein. 

"They have temporarily sidelined their sporting ambitions to help draw attention to the importance of staying at home for the benefit of public health. 

"Sport and healthy living is a key component of Jordan's National Sports Strategy vision. 

"Within this, elite athletes are important role models who are today leading by example in the world's fight against this pandemic."