I came to India for the first time, at the right time, says David Beckham amid Kohli mania
Mumbai, Nov 15: In many ways, David Beckham in his pomp was to football what Virat Kohli is to cricket.
The former English football superstar, quite like Indian cricket's megastar, had a penchant for rising to the occasions, and their extraordinary skills in their chosen sports complement their larger than life personalities perfectly.
Beckham was in attendance at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday as Kohli scored a record 50th ODI hundred in the World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.
Having watched Kohli's artistry with the bat in his first visit to India, Beckham said he was glad to witness "a piece of history".
"It's just a real pleasure to actually be in this stadium and witness a piece of history. You know obviously I've spent some time today with Sachin (Tendulkar) and I know what he achieved in this stadium and I know what he achieved for his country and the sport.
"But then to see Virat do it today. It is truly incredible. You can see the atmosphere at the stadium. I've come to India for the first time, at the right time," Beckham told the official broadcaster, aptly summing up the mood.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend added, "I've been here for Diwali, and now I'm here for my first game in the World Cup and it's very special."
Beckham is in India as UNICEF's goodwill ambassador -- a role which he took up in 2005.
Before the game got underway, Beckham spoke with the Indian cricketers and played the football back to Kohli after receiving it from the batting mainstay while he was having a chat with Tendulkar on the ground.
"It's first game at the World Cup and what a time to be here. I've been to some of the best stadiums in the world, and coming in here today, from the start, you knew it was something special."
Kohli, who scored 117 off 113 deliveries, helped India post 397/4 in their 50 overs after opting to bat first.
We all know how well the King can strike. Oh! He can also assist and Becks approved. 🤌
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 15, 2023
📹: David Beckham#PlayBold #INDvNZ #CWC23 #TeamIndia #ViratKohli #DavidBeckham pic.twitter.com/pn2CKlJiot
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Deve Gowda hints at NDA tie-up for local body, Panchayat polls
Bengaluru: JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has indicated that the party is open to an understanding with the NDA in the upcoming local body, taluk and zilla panchayat elections.
Speaking to reporters at J.P. Bhavan on Wednesday, he said the JD(S) is a regional party, while the BJP is a national party. “We have to wait and see what decision they take regarding a pre-poll alliance. As far as local body elections are concerned, we will discuss the matter together before taking a decision,” he said.
Responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s allegation that the JD(S) does not give positions to anyone outside the family, Deve Gowda said the charge has no substance. “My memory is still strong. I will respond to everything at the appropriate time,” he remarked.
He also said that a JD(S) convention will be held in Vijayapura on February 27 and that he has been invited to participate in the event.
