Sachin Tendulkar Welcomes Smriti Mandhana to UNICEF, Calls Her a ‘Brilliant Voice for Children’s Rights’

October 11, 2026

New Delhi: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday welcomed Indian women’s cricket team captain Smriti Mandhana to the UNICEF India family. Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate on the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child.

UNICEF Ambassador for South Asia Sachin Tendulkar wrote on the social media platform X, “Welcome to the @UNICEFIndia family, @mandhana_smriti! You inspire millions on the field and I am confident you will be a great voice for children’s rights off the field as well.”

Focus on Equal Opportunities for Girls

Smriti Mandhana’s appointment aims to strengthen efforts to promote children’s rights and ensure equal opportunities for girls. This will particularly focus on increasing girls’ participation in sports.

As UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate, Smriti will support initiatives that empower adolescent girls, promote their health and well-being, and help them achieve their full potential.

International Day of the Girl Child highlights the rights, safety, potential, and leadership of girls, while also drawing attention to the barriers that limit their choices and opportunities.

‘Every child deserves the opportunity to dream big’

Smriti Mandhana expressed her delight at being selected for this role and said that access to opportunities and encouragement can help children achieve their dreams.

She said, “I am deeply honored to be a UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate. Growing up playing cricket, I learned that every dream starts with an opportunity. With hard work, determination, and encouragement, that opportunity can become something extraordinary. Every child and young person deserves the opportunity to dream big and reach their full potential.”

Left-handed batsman Smriti Mandhana has previously supported UNICEF-ICC campaigns focused on gender equality and life skills, as well as UNICEF’s ‘Promise to Children’ campaign. Her new role will further these efforts, with a particular focus on ensuring girls have equal opportunities to participate in sports and develop their talents.

UNICEF Praises Smriti Mandhana’s Achievements

UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey said that Smriti Mandhana’s journey can inspire young girls. Her journey shows what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity.

McCaffrey said, “Smriti’s journey from an aspiring young player to a global cricket icon shows girls what is possible when talent meets opportunity. India has the world’s largest generation of children and youth. At this time, investing in girls’ rights, leadership, and well-being is the wisest investment for the country.”

He further said that UNICEF is excited to partner with Smriti Mandhana to help ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn, play, lead and achieve her full potential.