The 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China held its opening ceremony last week, declaring the Games open. India has sent a delegation of 655 athletes to the 19th edition of the Games, across 41 disciplines.
At the time of writing, India stands at fourth position in the medals tally with eight gold medals, including a historic first in equestrian sports. China leads the standings, with 94 gold medals and 175 overall.
Over the past week, a couple of members of the Indian delegation have cuaght the eye, thanks to their unique names. Track cyclists David Beckham Elkatohchoongo and Ronaldo Laitonjam have made everyone sit up and take notice of them, thanks to the fame of their namesakes.
Why are David Beckham and Ronaldo representing India in the Asian Games?
When asked by media outlet The Daily Mirror about his name, Elkatohchoongo replied, “When I was in my mum’s tummy, in the hospital, my dad said, ‘When the baby is taken out, he shall be named David Beckham.”
Elkatohchoongo’s father was himself a street footballer, and had always looked up to the football star Beckham, who made over 500 apperances for Manchester United, and represented England 115 times.
Coincidentally, Elkatohchoongo’s teammate, Ronaldo Laitonjam, is also named after a footballer.
Both athletes have spoken about how they recognise the history associated with their names, and that it inspires them to give their best for the country in their sport.
Ronaldo names after Ronaldinho?
The story behind Ronaldo Singh’s name is slightly more complicated.
During an interview with The Sportstar, Ronaldo revealed that on June 21, 2002, his father Roben Singh Laitonjam, a CRPF trooper was posted in Srinagar. He was watching the Brazil vs England World Cup match at the time his wife went into labour.
In the 50th minute of the match, Ronaldinho (real name: Ronaldo de Assis Moreira) curled in a freekick from beyond the half-line and beat Davis Seaman to goal, in one of the most iconic strikes in football World Cup history. The goal helped Brazil win the match 2-1.
“Just as the ball went in the goal, I must have started making an appearance. I think my dad won some money that day. That’s probably why I got that name. He felt I was very lucky for him,” Ronaldo narrated.
Ronaldo Singh holds the Indian national record in 1km time trial at 1:00.863.