The 2018 FIFA World Cup is all set to kickoff in Russia on June 13 and while fans across India are preparing for it, two Indian schoolboys will be seen representing the country at the tournament. Tamil Nadu girl Nathania John K will be accompanying Rishi Tej of Karnataka at the World Cup.
Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri announced the names of the two kids as part of an initiative taken up by KIA Motors India who launched the program for Official Match Ball Carriers. While 11-year-old Nathania will be accompanying the players on the field before the Brazil vs Costa Rica match, 10-year-old Rishi will carry the match ball before the Belgium vs Panama game. Nathania and Rishi will also be the first ever official match ball carriers from India at the World Cup. They were selected as part of the program which had over 1600 players between the age group of 10 - 14 years.
The FIFA Official Match Ball Carrier program gives 64 schoolkids from different countries a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only walk with the players but all witness the FIFA 2018 World Cup live in Russia.