New Delhi: UNICEF India has appointed Smriti Mandhana, the new captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, as its Celebrity Advocate. The decision aims to promote equal opportunities, health and well-being among adolescent girls.
The official announcement was made on Sunday, October 11, to mark the International Day of the Girl Child. The campaign aims to uphold girls’ rights and safety and promote their leadership abilities.
Speaking about her new role, Smriti Mandhana said, “It is a great honour for me to join hands with UNICEF India as a Celebrity Advocate. Having grown up playing cricket, I have realised that every dream begins with an opportunity. With hard work and encouragement, those opportunities can lead to remarkable achievements. Every child has the right to dream big and make those dreams come true.”
Mandhana has previously participated in gender equality and sports awareness campaigns organised by UNICEF and the International Cricket Council (ICC). She has also supported UNICEF’s Promise to Children campaign.
Recently, following Harmanpreet Kaur’s departure from the captaincy, Arjuna Award-winning cricketer Smriti Mandhana was selected to lead the Indian women’s cricket team.