Rishi is among the 64 kids from across the world who have been selected in the Official Match Ball Carrier programme.
As Belgium and Panama players were taking the field on Monday in their FIFA World Cup 2018 match, a young Indian boy was also making history.
As 10-year-old Rishi Tej picked up the ball from the stand before the match and walked out with the teams, he became the first ever official match ball carrier from India at FIFA World Cup 2018.
Rishi is among the 64 kids from across the world who have been selected in the Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) programme.
Andhra Pradesh’s Nathania John K, will walk on to the pitch before the encounter between Brazil and Costa Rica. Prior to this India has never had any official representation at the FIFA World Cup.
Noida’s Priyasharan Prakash, Gurugram’s Aditya Batra and Mumbai’s Scott Ashley Rodrigues will watch selected matches at the stadium.
India football team captain Sunil Chhetri had conducted trials for selection last month. “I am overwhelmed to see the kind of talent these little kids have. They are not only just passionate about the game but are also well-versed about its nuances,” Chhetri was quoted by PTI as saying.
“I shall envy the kids who eventually go over to Russia to watch the game’s greatest players in action. It will be a life-changing experience. I must thank Kia Motors for giving me the opportunity to interact with these kids and be part of such a wonderful initiative,” he added.
Rishi, who hails from Bangalore, had told India Today before leaving for Russia, “I am so excited, you cannot measure it even. It is like I am still dreaming. In Russia, I want to live every moment. During the match, I just don’t want to enjoy but analyse how they play.”
Automobile firm Kia Motors have partnered with FIFA for the 2018 World Cup and come up with the initiative which will witness kids across the globe participate in the World Cup.
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 "Belgium v/s Panama")
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