Indian Cyclists Named David Beckham and Ronaldo Shine at Commonwealth Games

Aug 2, 2026

76 min

Aug 2, 2026 10:30

David Beckham, Ronaldo compete for India at Commonwealth Games

## Unusual Names Draw Attention

At the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, two Indian cyclists with famous names, David Beckham and Ronaldo, captured the spotlight. Competing in men's track cycling, they turned heads not just for their performances but also for their namesakes.

## Performance on the Track

Ronaldo Laitonjam Singh and David Beckham Elkatohchoongo participated in the men's keirin event at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Ronaldo finished seventh in his opening heat, while David Beckham secured fifth place in his heat. Both cyclists later competed in the repechage heat, with Elkatohchoongo finishing fourth and Ronaldo fifth, concluding their participation in the event.

## Inspiration Behind the Names

Ronaldo Laitonjam Singh's name is inspired by Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, not Cristiano Ronaldo or the original Ronaldo. Born a day after Brazil's victory over England in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, his father, a fan of Ronaldinho, named him accordingly. Although he later shortened his name to Ronaldo, he remains motivated to bring recognition to the name in cycling.

David Beckham Elkatohchoongo was named after the former England football captain by his father, a national-level footballer in India and a huge admirer of Beckham. Elkatohchoongo hopes to meet his namesake one day and has extended an invitation for Beckham to visit India.

## A Unique Experience

Both cyclists have experienced the curiosity and disbelief their names evoke, especially during international events. Elkatohchoongo shared how immigration officers were surprised by his name, often thinking it was changed to match the famous footballer.

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