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- Did Ronaldo and David Beckham compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games? Yes—but not the ones you're thinking of
Did Ronaldo and David Beckham compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games? Yes—but not the ones you're thinking of
One of the most unusual stories from the 2026 Commonwealth Games came away from the spotlight of the competition itself. Representing India were Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam and David Beckham Elkatohchoongo, two cyclists whose names are instantly recognizable to football fans around the world.
One of the most unusual stories from the 2026 Commonwealth Games came away from the spotlight of the competition itself. Representing India were Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam and David Beckham Elkatohchoongo, two cyclists whose names are instantly recognizable to football fans around the world.
While they are not the famous football stars, both attracted attention because of the stories behind their names while competing for India on the track.
Why are they named Ronaldo and David Beckham?
Both Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam and David Beckham Elkatohchoongo say their names are the result of their fathers' love for football.
David Beckham Elkatohchoongo has explained that his father was a huge fan of the former England captain and even revealed that both he and his father played football in India.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam told Olympics.com that he was actually named after Ronaldinho, not Brazil's Ronaldo or Cristiano Ronaldo.
"My name came from my father. He is a fan of Ronaldinho," he said.
The cyclist was born on 22 June 2002, one day after Brazil defeated England in the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, a match remembered for Ronaldinho's iconic free-kick goal.
He also revealed that he shortened his name in 2007.
"In 2007, I changed my name to Ronaldo because it was getting so long, but it's actually Ronaldinho."
How did they perform at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
In the opening round of the men's keirin at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam finished seventh in the first heat.
David Beckham Elkatohchoongo placed fifth in the third heat.
The two Indian riders later competed in the same repechage heat, where Elkatohchoongo finished fourth and Ronaldo fifth, ending both of their Commonwealth Games campaigns.
