India’s flamboyant all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has launched the “Power of Sports to Shape the Future of Adolescents” campaign in South Asia. He has taken the responsibility of promoting a UNICEF sports initiative for youngsters in South Asia, which will also be supported by ICC.

The southpaw was joined by under-19 cricketers from the Indian subcontinent. Players from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will compete in the ICC under-19 World Cup in New Zealand in January next year.

A committee discussion was followed by a friendly match between the players and the youth who attended the event which was jointly organized by UNICEF South Asia and the ICC.

During the promotions, Yuvraj said, “There are 340 million adolescents in South Asia. When I see the energy, passion, and determination of these young people, I feel so much hope. While the challenges in this region are vast, my hope is that their energy can be harnessed to create a better tomorrow for all adolescents in South Asia.”

ICC CEO David Richardson said the ICC under-19 World Cup will present real challenges of international cricket in front of the youngsters. He said, “Our partnership with UNICEF is an important one and the commitment that place has shown to being part of the panel is a wonderful demonstration of that.”

Yuvraj had also clarified that he has finally cleared the Yo-Yo Test after failing consecutive times. He said, “I would like to tell that I am failing. I still fail. I failed the last three fitness tests but yesterday I passed my fitness test. After 17 years I am still failing.”