Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is most likely to attend the opening ceremony of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar-2018 on November 27.
While the actor said his heart beats for the sport, the Sports Department of Odisha government said that he will grace the event.
“Bollywood superstar @iamsrk, who played a hockey coach in Chak De India movie, will attend the opening ceremony of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, on November 27. #OdishaWelcomesSRK,” said the Sports Department on its Twitter handle.
Besides, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, through a twitter massage, welcomed Shah Rukh Khan.
“Delighted to share that @iamsrk ‘s #HeartBeatsForHockey and he has come forward to support Indian hockey & #HockeyWorldCup2018 in #Bhubaneswar. Kalinga Stadium & #Odisha look forward to welcoming you, Mr. Khan at the #OdishaHWCOpeningCeremony on 27th November 2018 #AbBasHockey,” Patnaik said.
Hockey player Manpreet Singh asked SRK via Twitter if he would be a part of the hockey tournament and if the actor would support them.
SRK 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.”
The Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 is just a few weeks away. While the team is also gearing up for the mega tournament and training in Bhubaneswar, they will also leave for the Asian Champions Trophy on October 14.
In a statement, Shah Rukh has said: “Hockey is the song of my heart. It is that time of my youth that is forever etched in my consciousness. I follow the game and watching the game, even now, gets my pulse racing.
“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. They are my heroes and I pledge my heartbeat for India, for the Indian team and for hockey.”
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Ms Kalinga