Shah Rukh Khan to partake in Hockey World Cup 2018 opening ceremony

As the Indian Men’s Hockey team prepare for the opening ceremony of the World Cup tournament on home turf, they have special someone who will be joining them for the event.

This certain someone is no other than Shah Rukh Khan. Responsible for making the game popular with ‘Chak De India’ (2007), it was reported on Sport Star Live that Khan confirmed that he will be partaking in the opening ceremony with the team, due to take place on the 7th November at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

In a statement the ‘Dear Zindagi’ (2017) actor expressed his joy for being involved. “India is hosting the Hockey World Cup in November at Bhubaneswar, and I am honoured to be a part of hockey at the highest level. We have a young and promising team and they have my unconditional support.’’

In response, Naveen Pathnaik, Odisha Chief Minister also shared his delight, “Shah Rukh Khan is one of the greatest icons of this generation and a role model for the youth of the country. Mr Khan extending his support for hockey will not only motivate the team but it will also catalyse the nation to join this movement for hockey, and I thank him for the same.”

There were a few tweets exchanged too with Pathnaik as well as team member Manpreet Singh, who uploaded a video request asking Khan to support the Indian Hockey team, to which Khan replied, “Neki aur pooch pooch? Mujhe bolne ki der hai mere bhai, main koodh kar pahunch jaoonga! I wish u and our team the best. Hockey is the pride of India. We will cheer Chak De India! Thank u for thinking of me. Mera Dil Hockey ke liye bahut tez dhadakta hai!!! #HeartBeatsForHockey”.