'Smile Pinki' star to toss coin at Wimbledon

New Delhi, July 2 (IANS):

Pinki Sonkar, the girl with a cleft lip who was treated six years ago and was the star of Oscar-winning documentary “Smile Pinki”, will toss the coin at the Gentlemen’s Singles Final at Wimbledon.

Pinki Sonkar, 11, is the brand ambassador of Smile Train, the foundation which provides treatment to children born with cleft lips in over 80 countries of the world.

Speaking to the media during the send-off dinner hosted by British High Commissioner Sir James Bevan here, Pinki said: “Though I have just heard about tennis, I am excited to go to this place.”

Travelling with her is her father Rajendra Sonkar and Dr. Subodh Kumar Singh, who had treated her.

Speaking to IANS, Rajendra Sonkar said: “I am very happy that my daughter is being given an opportunity to go to London. It is a very big thing for my family.”

Sir James Bevan said: “I cannot think of a better place than Wimbledon’s famous Centre Court for Pinki to show to the world how Smile Train has helped to transform her life. She will receive the warmest of welcomes everywhere she goes in the UK. She is an inspiration to us all.”

“It holds a great value for us and our mission because a social cause like this is finding representation in sports. We hope this opportunity raises awareness and transforms many more lives, just as it did for Pinki,” said Subodh Kumar.