Indian kids to 'represent country' at FIFA World Cup
While Indian football team has not made it to the FIFA World Cup which gears from tomorrow in Russia, these are two fortunate kids who have the privilege of being the official match ball carriers.
The 10-year-old Rishi Tej who hails from Karnataka and 11-year-old Nathania John K from Tamil participated in the OMBC program conducted by Kia Motors India. While one of them will be an official ball carrier other would be carry the ball. According to an official spokesperson, they can appear in a match between Belgium and Panam or Brazil and Costa Rica.
Nearly 1600 children of age group 10-14 years participated from all over India participated in the OMBC program and two were selected for the event. A panel of judges including Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri. Last month Chhetri conducted the trials at Gurugram, some 50 kids were shortlisted and then these two kids were declared the winners.
Sunil Chhetri said, “It was amazing to see so many talented young kids together. I thank Kia for giving this opportunity to the football-loving kids of our country. It augurs well for the future of the sport."
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First published: 13 June 2018, 16:54 IST