Virat Kohli Foundation: All you need to know about it

Virat Kohli is currently the most popular sports icon of the country. While on the field the 27-year-old cricketer is known for his aggressive approach to the game, off the field he aims at helping the underprivileged kids. To achieve his goal Virat started a charitable foundation called “Virat Kohli Foundation” in 2013.

The recently organized charity football match which was played between Indian cricketers and Bollywood actors was also an initiative to gather funds for the causes which the Virat Kohli Foundation supports.

According to the star Indian batsman, the foundation works with select NGOs to support needy children. He said that the foundation aims "To create awareness, seek support and raise funds for the various causes they endorse and the philanthropic work they engage in.”

Although the foundation was started in 2013, Kohli has revealed that it has been on his mind for a long time. He added, “It has been in my mind since very long time. But I was going through a transition phase, so could not start off with the venture. Now, I feel it’s the right time to get on with it.”

The Delhi-born cricketer also termed this initiative as something which is very close to his heart. He said, “If I am able to inspire kids to achieve something that will be my biggest achievement.”

In May 2014, online retailer eBay along with Save the Children, India conducted a charity auction with Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF). All the funds generated at the event were directed towards the education and healthcare of underprivileged children.

The first big event to generate funds for charity organized by the VKF was the celebrity football match to raise funds along with Abhishek Bachchan’s charity foundation. The match was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on 30 March 2013.

The match attracted noticeable media attention and was a grand success as a fundraiser. Virat Kohli along with MS Dhoni and other major cricketers played that match against Abhishek Bachchan and other Bollywood celebrities. Kohli led his side – the All Hearts FC – to glory against the All Stars FC.

Another charity football match was also planned to raise funds after the end of this year’s IPL. The match was termed as “Celebrity Clasico” which was held on 4 June in Mumbai. The All Hearts FC led by Virat Kohli drew this time with the Ranbir Kapoor led All Stars FC.

This match also gained superb support from the fans and was successful in raising funds for the causes which VKF and its other organizing partners support.