•      Singh: ‘Sport has changed my life and I’m looking forward to helping Laureus in their goal to improve many more in the future’

•      Click here to view images of Yuvraj in Mumbai for editorial use

Yuvraj, an all-rounder who made his name for how cleanly he strikes the ball, has been at the forefront of Indian cricket for over a decade. Yuvraj’s most memorable performances have come while helping his country win two World Cups, the 2007 World Twenty20 and 2011 World Cup. In a match against England at the 2007 World Twenty20, Yuvraj famously hit six sixes in one over — an accomplishment achieved only three times previously in any form of senior cricket, and never in an international match between two Test cricket teams.

Singh has also overcome adversity off the field of play. In 2011, he was faced with his greatest ever challenge when he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his left lung. After undergoing chemotherapy treatment for his illness, Yuvraj made his international comeback in a Twenty20 match in September 2012 against New Zealand.

Yuvraj becomes Laureus’ first Indian Ambassador and joins a host of cricket legends in the Laureus Family, including Indian Academy Members Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Kapil Dev.

Yuvraj was welcomed to the Laureus Family at an event in Mumbai at which Laureus Sport for Good announced an increase in its support for sport for development organisations in the country. With the help of Mercedes-Benz India, Laureus Sport for Good is now supporting two new programmes in the country in The Naz Foundation and Slum Soccer, and continuing its support of OSCAR and YUWA.

Quotes:

New Laureus Ambassador and renowned international cricketer Yuvraj Singh, commented, “It’s an honour for me to join the Laureus Family here in India and to find out first-hand the great work being done to help young people overcome challenges in their lives. I’m a firm believer in the power of sport and its incredible ability to change lives, it changed mine and I’m looking forward to helping Laureus in their goal to improve many more in the future.”

Indian cricket legend and Laureus Academy Member Rahul Dravid, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Yuvraj to the team. Knowing him as both a cricketer and person, I understand how passionately he believes in the power of sport and how determined he is to give back to those in need. I’m looking forward to working with Yuvraj once again, this time using sport to help young people overcome violence, discrimination and disadvantage.”