Bhubaneswar: Seventeen-year-old Odia boy Bablu Munda, an International Wushu (A Chinese Martial Art form) player represented Odisha in a national level festive event organized by UNICEF at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in South Delhi on World Children’s Day.
In the event, a friendly futsal match was organized for the children where Bablu along with other children from across the nation played a match with UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar and actor Ayusmaan Khurrana.
Bablu Munda, who lost his parents when he was one year old is from Sialijoda village under the Joda block of Keonjhar district in Odisha. Despite all grievances and difficulties, Bablu completed his Primary education in 2016. He had won at least 10 medals (7 Gold, 1 Silver, 4 Bronze) in various events. He got into the National team after winning a silver medal in the 17th Sub-Junior Wushu National Championship held in 2018 at Jammu & Kashmir.
Expressing his happiness, Bablu, said, “I am proud to represent my state in the national level event. I feel delighted that I could meet and play football with Sachin Tendulkar and Ayusmaan Khurana and made many friends there. I did not expect that I would have such enriching experiences.”
Motivating children facing hardships, Bablu said, “I dared to dream. I wish all kids too do so and realize their dreams.”
Renowned musician Ricky Kej, also a Celebrity Advocate for UNICEF, conducted a musical concert for, about, and with children. Nearly 100 children rendered an art performance creatively depicting unity in diversity, inclusion, and equality.
Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to India said, “World Children’s Day is a time for all of us to renew our collective promises for every child, especially for girls, to be included and protected and reach their full potential, unhindered by gender stereotypes, inequalities, and other barriers. When it comes to Child Rights, there can be only one team!”