Team Blitz India
MUMBAI: He came, he saw, and he won – without much kicking! David Robert Joseph Beckham OBE was in India as Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, on an important mission to spotlight the message of equal opportunities and rights for every child.
The 48-year-old star footballer – President and co-owner of Inter Miami and co-owner of Salford City – joined legendary cricketer and Unicef Regional Ambassador for South Asia, Sachin Tendulkar, and children, at the ICC Cricket Word Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand in Mumbai on November 12.
He featured a number of times on camera ‘cutaways’ during the live coverage, drawing soft (and loud) “oohs!” from viewers.
The sports stars united to celebrate Unicef’s partnership with ICC that aims to empower girls and women through cricket. They called on spectators to #BeAChampion for girls and boys – no matter where they live – so they can equally participate in sports and life’s opportunities.
“I have always been a strong believer in the power of sports in levelling the playing field for children. Sports promotes participation, breaks down gender stereotypes and is a powerful way to help girls to realise their dreams,’’ stated Beckham.
During his four-day visit, he also went to Gujarat, where he witnessed how Unicefsupported programmes, in partnership with the Government of India, work for girls and women.
Beckham met children and adolescents, including girls who are bringing about change and innovation in their communities, and young women who have overcome barriers to help close gender gaps.
“His visit reinforces Unicef’s mission to support equal opportunities to empower all, especially girls,” said the world body’s India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey.
From ‘Jawan’ Shah Rukh Khan, to fashion icon Sonam Kapoor, to industrialist Mukesh Ambani hosted galas in honour of the English former professional footballer.
A constellation of film stars stars joined hands to welcome Beckham to the city of dreams, creating an unforgettable night of glamour and camaraderie.
