David Beckham Elkatohchoongo and Ronaldo Laitonjam Singh, both Indian cyclists, will participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The duo, named after prominent football legends, are aiming to win gold medals in their respective events.
Beckham Elkatohchoongo, 23, explained that his uncle, a fervent supporter of the former England captain, insisted on the name. "My [uncle] is a big fan of David Beckham's," Beckham Elkatohchoongo told Times of India in 2020. "In 2002 they celebrated and danced all night when Beckham scored the goal [against Argentina at the World Cup] and took his team to a win. I was born in 2003 and he fought with my mother and my [grandfather] to give me the name 'David Beckham.' That's how I got the name."
Ronaldo, 24, is named after Brazilian football star Ronaldinho, not Ronaldo Nazario or Cristiano Ronaldo. His father reportedly named him after the Brazilian player scored a memorable free-kick against England in the 2002 World Cup, coincidentally on the day Ronaldo Laitonjam Singh was born. "Just as the ball went in the goal, I must have started making an appearance," the cyclist told The Hindu. "I think my dad won some money that day. That's probably why I got that name. He felt I was very lucky for him."
Beckham Elkatohchoongo will compete in the men's Keirin event, while Ronaldo Laitonjam Singh is entered in the men's 1000m time trial. Beckham Elkatohchoongo previously competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games but did not medal.