Sachin named UNEP Goodwill Ambassador

Sachin named UNEP Goodwill Ambassador


Mumbai (India), 11 March 2010: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been named a United Nations Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador.

The appointment, made by UNEP Executive Director Mr. Achim Steiner in Mumbai, allows one of the world’s greatest cricketers the opportunity to use his legendary popularity to raise public awareness and harness support for environmental action in India and the world.

Mr. Tendulkar has been a strong supporter of the work of the UN, having lent his voice to a UNICEF campaign in India, raising awareness about the importance of personal hygiene.

Mr. Steiner described Sachin Tendulkar as a role model to both the young and the old: “I am sure that his character, personal integrity, intellect and profile will catalyze widespread environmental action, focusing on 2010 as the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity. Sachin will work with UNEP to raise awareness and the level of global and grassroots response to the loss of the planet’s biological diversity including animals and plants,” he said.

Welcoming his new role as UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, Tendulkar said: “I have played and enjoyed my cricket across the planet. Now it’s also time to do something for the planet, which is our only home. I view this designation as a challenge and an honour. Being part of the effort to save the planet is an immense undertaking but it is a challenge I am ready to undertake. Working with UNEP and cricket fans across the globe, I am in good company. Together we can do it.”

For more information, please contact:

In Mumbai, UNEP Director of Communications, Satinder Bindra, +254 727 531 253, satinder.bindra@unep.org

In London, UNEP Spokesperson, Nick Nuttall, +41 795 965 737 or +254 733 632 755, nick.nuttall@unep.org

In Nairobi, UNEP NewsDesk Head, Shereen Zorba, +254 713 601 259, shereen.zorba@unep.org

About UNEP

UNEP was established in 1972 and is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. It provides leadership in caring for the environment by inspiring nations and communities to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP has been working in the area of sport and the environment for more than 15 years.

About Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, known as the Master Blaster, was named “The greatest living exponent of his craft” by TIME magazine. In January 2008, British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown suggested that Sachin should be conferred with an honourary Knighthood for his contribution to international cricket. Tendulkar is the first player to score fifty centuries in all international cricket. He is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game. He is the first player to score 10,000 runs in one day internationals and is among only three batsmen and the first Indian to surpass 11,000 runs in test cricket.

Tendulkar has lent his support to UNICEF in support of campaigns to boost personal hygiene among children and youth.