Ronaldo Nazario meets Minister Raksha Khadse, gifts Brazil No.9 jersey
Synopsis
R9 in New Delhi — Ronaldo Nazário gifted his iconic Brazil No.9 jersey to Sports Minister Raksha Khadse during his India visit, capping a trip that also saw the football legend try his hand at golf and confess it was far harder than the beautiful game.
Key Takeaways
Ronaldo Nazário met Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse in New Delhi on 15 October 2026 .
The Brazilian legend gifted Khadse his Brazilian No.9 jersey during the meeting.
Khadse shared pictures on social media, calling it 'a memorable interaction' and citing Ronaldo's ability to inspire young Indian athletes.
Ronaldo visited the Delhi Golf Club during his India trip and described golf as 'too difficult' compared to football.
The visit coincided with Ronaldo's attendance at the India Championship in Delhi .
Football legend Ronaldo Nazário, widely known as R9 and O Fenômeno (The Phenomenon), met Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, in New Delhi on 15 October 2026, in a meeting that drew widespread attention across Indian sports circles. The two-time FIFA World Cup winner gifted Khadse his iconic Brazilian No.9 jersey as the pair shared smiles in what the Minister described as a memorable interaction.
What the Minister Said
Khadse shared photographs of the meeting on social media, describing it as a source of inspiration for young Indian athletes. 'A memorable interaction with Ronaldo Nazário, the legendary Brazilian striker known as R9 & O Fenômeno (The Phenomenon). A two-time FIFA World Cup winner and one of football's all-time greats, his extraordinary journey continues to inspire generations,' she wrote in her caption.
The Minister added that 'interactions like these reinforce the importance of building a strong sporting ecosystem that empowers young Indian talent to dream big and compete at the highest level.'
Ronaldo's India Visit
The Brazilian icon travelled to New Delhi for the India Championship, where he was spotted engaging with participants and fans. Away from football, Ronaldo also visited the Delhi Golf Club, where he tried his hand at golf — a new experience that he described with characteristic good humour.
'Oh, it's amazing. It's beautiful,' Ronaldo said of the golf course. 'It's just not for me. Too difficult for me.' He noted that the rough at the course was particularly challenging, adding, 'The rough is amazing. So big. I used to be in the rough a lot, but this one is so high.'
Football vs Golf: Ronaldo's Take
The former Brazilian national team striker, reflecting on his golf experience, drew a candid comparison between the two sports. 'I go for football [I have played it] my whole life. But, you know, comparing football to golf is almost the same level of difficulty. Those guys, professional level, they are doing this for their whole life. As I did for my whole life playing football. So, yeah, for me, it's much easier to play football than golf,' he said.
Significance for Indian Sport
Ronaldo's visit comes at a time when India is investing significantly in grassroots football development, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) pushing to raise the sport's profile ahead of upcoming international commitments. A visit by one of the game's all-time greats is likely to generate renewed interest in the sport among India's youth. Notably, encounters between global sporting icons and Indian sports ministers have increasingly become a platform to signal India's growing ambitions as a sports-hosting nation.
Point of View
But Ronaldo Nazário's New Delhi visit carries a softer strategic weight — global sporting icons visiting India are no longer just tourists; they are, wittingly or not, validators of the country's ambition to become a serious sports-hosting and talent-producing nation. The jersey gifting and Khadse's social media post are a textbook exercise in sports diplomacy. What would matter more is whether moments like these translate into tangible investments in grassroots football — a game India has repeatedly pledged to grow but has struggled to break through with internationally. The AIFF's long-term development targets remain a work in progress, and a photograph with R9, however iconic, is not a substitute for infrastructure.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ronaldo Nazario visit India?
Ronaldo Nazário visited India to attend the India Championship held in New Delhi. During his visit, he also spent time at the Delhi Golf Club and met Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse.
What did Ronaldo gift to Minister Raksha Khadse?
Ronaldo gifted Raksha Khadse his iconic Brazilian No.9 jersey during their meeting in New Delhi on 15 October 2026. The Minister shared photographs of the exchange on social media.
Who is Ronaldo Nazario?
Ronaldo Nazário, known as R9 and O Fenômeno (The Phenomenon), is a former Brazilian striker widely regarded as one of football's all-time greats. He is a two-time FIFA World Cup winner and played for clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan.
What did Ronaldo say about golf during his India visit?
Ronaldo described golf as a beautiful but very difficult sport, saying 'It's just not for me.' He compared the challenge to professional football, noting that both require a lifetime of dedication to master at the highest level.
What did Minister Raksha Khadse say about the meeting?
Khadse described the meeting as memorable and said Ronaldo's extraordinary journey continues to inspire generations. She added that such interactions reinforce the importance of building a strong sporting ecosystem to empower young Indian talent.
