An Indian is all set to be a part of this year’s men’s singles final at the Wimbledon as Pinki Sonkar has been chosen to toss the coin ahead of the marquee match on July 7.
Pinki will be representing New York-headquartered Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft lip and palate non-profit organisation, which has been picked as the charity partner to perform the flip of the coin at the men’s singles final event this year.
Smile Train aims to provide free surgeries to people born with cleft lip and palate.
Doctor Subodh Kumar Singh, who performed Pinki’s cleft surgery in 2007, will be travelling with her to London. The British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan, will host a send-off dinner for Pinki on July 2 at his residence for guests to share their good wishes.
The 11-year-old Pinki will travel from her native village in India to London to share her story with the world. Her trip will connect three countries worldwide — the United Kingdom, the United States and India — as they come together to celebrate her remarkable journey.
In 2007, Pinki was given the opportunity through Smile Train to receive a life-changing free cleft repair surgery, which was captured in the Oscar winning documentary short, Smile Pinki.
Since the film, she has continued to grow, thrive post surgery and live a life free of shame and isolation. Her story has become an example to others, and she has brought hope to those born with cleft.
Pinki will meet the players and will be assisted in her on-court duties by Andrew Jarrett, Championships’ Referee, and the Chair Umpire.
After the formalities, she will watch the match, and her day includes lunch in the Competitors’ Restaurant. During her stay in London, Pinki will partake in additional events in honour of the tournament, including meeting with many of Smile Train’s supporters.
“Pinki is a young girl who exemplifies strength, courage, and dignity every day of her life, and I am so honoured to accompany her as she travels to Wimbledon,” said Dr. Subodh Kumar Singh.