New Delhi: David Beckham Elkatohchoongo, the famous cyclist from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, won the gold medal in the men’s elite sprint event at the National Games in Rudrapur. The 21-year-old cyclist clocked a time of 10.691 seconds in two laps to win the race after fending off the competition from Laitonjam Ronaldo Singh (10.724 seconds) of Manipur and his fellow Andaman and Nicobar Islands cyclist Esow Alben (10.826 seconds) and eventually winning the gold medal.
The three best cyclists in the country engaged in a thrilling battle at the brand-new Shivalik Velodrome but in the end, David Beckham emerged as the winner.
Three years ago while entering the UK for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the British immigration officers were stumped when Elkatohchoongo told them his name during arrivals, asking him if David Beckham was his real name.
After double-checking his passport, Elkatohchoongo was allowed entry by the immigration officers.
Elkatohchoongo’s father, who was a ‘street footballer’ and a fan of legendary English footballer and former captain David Beckham, gave him this name.
David Beckham and Ronaldo create buzz at National Games
Elkatohchoongo also wanted to be a footballer but later shifted to cycling due to cycling’s immense popularity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Union Territory has produced legendary cyclist Deborah Herold, the first Indian cyclist to win a medal at the Asian Senior Championships and former world number four.
Elkatohchoongo produced a sensational performance at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, reaching the quarterfinals.
His and Ronaldo’s presence in the Indian contingent created a lot of headlines in the foreign media because of their names.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo was named after the iconic Brazilian striker after his father took inspiration from the 2002 World Cup which Brazil won with Ronaldo playing a key role in the win. Ronaldo won a sprint silver medal at the 2022 Asian Championships.
National Games: David Beckham Elkatohchoongo claimed the gold to after beating Laitonjam Ronaldo Singh of Manipur and his fellow Andaman and Nicobar Islands cyclist Esow Alben. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
