Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has taken a significant step beyond the cricket field by joining UNICEF India as a celebrity advocate, pledging to champion children’s rights, gender equality and equal opportunities for young girls. The left-handed batter will use her influence to raise awareness about the challenges children face and encourage a more inclusive environment in which every child can learn, play and fulfil their potential.
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Mandhana’s appointment received a warm welcome from legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who is himself associated with UNICEF as its Regional Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia.
Tendulkar has worked with the organisation for more than a decade, supporting initiatives related to children’s welfare, health and education. Welcoming Mandhana to the UNICEF India family, Tendulkar expressed confidence that the Indian star would become a powerful voice for children’s rights.
In a message shared on social media, Tendulkar wrote, “Welcome to the @UNICEFIndia family, @mandhana_smriti! You inspire millions on the field, and I know you will be a brilliant voice for children’s rights off it.”
CHILDHOOD DREAM BECOMES A MISSION FOR SMRITI
Mandhana’s own childhood experiences have shaped her commitment to ensuring that girls have the freedom to choose their futures. Recalling how her cricketing journey began, she spoke about the encouragement she received from her parents and the challenges of balancing academics with her sporting ambitions.
“As a 9 year old, I went to my first cricket trial, accompanying my brother for fun. I continued enjoying being a child and playing cricket. My father always encouraged me to play cricket, while my mother knew how difficult it could be to balance my journey as a professional cricketer with my academics at the same time,” Mandhana said.
Her journey from a young girl accompanying her brother to becoming one of India’s most celebrated cricketers underlines the importance of family support and the freedom to make personal choices. Mandhana believes every girl should have the opportunity to discover her strengths and pursue her dreams, regardless of societal expectations.
“I made my choice, and here I am today, proudly representing India in international cricket. Looking back, I realised that every girl deserves the freedom to choose her path, pursue her dreams, and discover what she is best in doing. Being a girl should not determine how far she can go.”
A NEW LEADERSHIP CHAPTER
Mandhana’s UNICEF appointment comes at a significant moment in her career. On October 6, 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India appointed her as the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, replacing Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down from the leadership role across formats.
Mandhana, who has served as India’s vice-captain and previously led the side in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, will begin her full-time white-ball captaincy with the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe.
Outlining her vision as a UNICEF India celebrity advocate, Mandhana added, “Together, let’s build an inclusive world where children are empowered and have equal opportunities to learn, play, thrive, where equity lays the foundation of success. I’m proud to join UNICEF India as a celebrity advocate to support children, especially young girls. I stand with girls for their right to equal opportunities and empower them to grow up healthy and safe. Join me in making a promise to children,”
With Tendulkar’s support and her own growing influence in Indian sport, Mandhana’s association with UNICEF marks an opportunity to amplify an important message: every child deserves equal opportunities, and every girl should be free to dream without limits.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
