2018 Hockey World Cup Opening Ceremony: Shah Rukh Khan Lights Up Bhubaneswar, Recalls His Hockey Days
Wednesday, November 28, 2018 IST
Shah Rukh Khan recalled how he used to play hockey as a centre forward in his school and college days.
The Hockey World Cup 2018 got underway with the opening ceremony at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. And apart from the captains of the 16 participating nations, there was one name that charmed every member in the audience -- Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh, who once played a hockey coach in the 2007 Bollywood flick, Chak De! India, recalled his days playing the sport. "I did play a little bit of hockey in school and college. I used to play as a centre forward, and right opposite me was obviously a goalkeeper," he said.
Khan, keeping his promise with fans that he would be present at the opening ceremony, had some words of motivation for the audience and the 16 captains.
"This is the most important tournament of the world. Because it is our sport, it is our hockey and there is no more special game than field hockey. And what sets it apart is that it is an amalgamation of a lot of emotions, thought and lots and lots of action. It involves guile, strength and stamina. It is a sport that involves artistry. Players are not mere players, they are artists," he said.
In October, Hockey player Manpreet Singh had asked Shah Rukh Khan via Twitter if he would be a part of the hockey tournament and if the actor would support them.
SRK had replied saying he would jump at the opportunity. "I wish you and our team the best. Hockey is the pride of India. We will cheer Chak De India! Thank you for thinking of me. #HeartBeatsForHockey."
At the Hockey World Cup 2018, India will look forward to winning their second world title under Manpreet Singh's charge, having won the coveted title only in 1975, under the captaincy of Ajit Pal Singh. India, who are ranked fifth in the world, have shown massive signs of improvement, which is why there's in hockey fans yet again. In the recent past, India reached the final of the Champions Trophy where they lost to hockey powerhouses Australia 3-1 in a shoot-off after both teams were locked at 1-1 in regulation time. If India have to break their World Cup jinx, they will have to get the better of the likes of two-time defending champions Australia, the Netherlands, Germany and Olympic champions Argentina.
Related Topics
Trending News & Articles
Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...
Recently posted . 9K views . 2 min read
The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...
Recently posted . 6K views . 2 min read
Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...
Recently posted . 6K views . 2 min read
The scientists likewise shared how much liquor an individual can drink prior to facing overabundance risk challenges their wellbeing, contrasted with somebody who...
Recently posted . 5K views . 1 min read
More in Sports
Do you experience reduced heart function at high altitudes?
Low amount of oxygen at mountain peaks decreases the volume of bl...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
Your lady parts are pretty awesome: they clean themselves, they can deliver mind-blowing orgasms and they are generally low maintenance. Yet sometimes, they throw...
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read
Whether you are new to the gym, or not, enjoy your workout more by following a few simple rules of the road.
Recently posted. 1K views . 0 min read
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 2K views
Recently posted . 2K views
Recently posted . 2K views . 607 min read
Recently posted . 1K views . 33 min read
There is a bad news for children who were exposed to t headaches shortly before or all through the beginning.
A study with the aid of Kaiser Permanente f...
Recently posted. 875 views . 16 min read
A workout with an exercise ball can be a beneficial way to help improve muscle tone and balance. Exercise balls are air-filled and comfortable to use during fitness...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read