Priya Aditi
Recently, approximately 16 underprivileged children from various Indian cities traveled to the UK for a football tournament. The educational tour to the UK, coordinated by the Oscar Foundation of Mumbai, saw the children engage in amicable football matches with students from the host schools in the United Kingdom. This activity was conducted as part of a cultural exchange initiative orchestrated by an Indian NGO that operates under the Sports for Development (S4D) umbrella. In addition to attending educational seminars and participating in seven football matches with school teams, the youngsters also enjoyed a sightseeing tour of London.
Additionally, they were granted an opportunity to encounter Rishi Sunak, the PM of the UK, at his residence situated in London. “During the meeting, the children shared with the Prime Minister and his wife, Akshata Murty, their life experiences, dedication to education, passion for football, and belief in gender equality,” according to a source.
Regarding the opportunity, youthful player Akshay Rathod from Yadgir, Karnataka, exclaims, “Playing football with the teams in the United Kingdom was an unforgettable experience. It not only facilitated my athletic progress but also contributed positively to my academic growth. It was a privilege to meet the Duchess of Edinburgh and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
An additional footballer from Mumbai, Aarti Chavan, states: “For me, football has always been more than a pastime; it is comparable to breathing. “My recent experience competing against British schools was truly remarkable and unforgettable.”
“I have just returned from an incredible tour of the United Kingdom,” says Jyoti Kumari of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, adding that she never imagined performing internationally or meeting such dignitaries. We had the opportunity to play football with some exceptional students from our school. “It was an honor to speak with Prime Minister Sunak about my dedication to education and my enthusiasm for football,” she says.
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According to Ashok Rathod, the Founder of the Oscar Foundation, Prime Minister Sunak was extremely receptive and appreciative of our conviction that sports have the capacity to transform lives. Additionally, the children were ecstatic to meet the wife and prime minister of Sunak.”
