Hockey World Cup: Pakistan stars woo fans in Bhubaneswar, dance to Bollywood songs
Pakistan hockey player Muhammad Irfan stole the show at the Fan Village as fans grooved to the Bollywood number he sang.
In Short
- Pakistan hockey team visited the Fa Park at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday
- Pakistan are currently on the the third spot of Pool D table, behind Germany and the Netherlands
- After winning just 1 point from 2 matches, Pakistan have missed a direct quarter-final berth
There was a lot of uncertainty around the Pakistan hockey team's participation in the ongoing World Cup in Bhubaneswar due to visa and sponsorship issues but the decks were cleared for the four-time champions in the eleventh hour.
As it turns out, Pakistan are enjoying their time in their neighbouring country. Despite ordinary performances on the turf, Pakistan are a big hit among the passionate fans in a carnival-like atmosphere in Bhubaneswar.
The hockey fans were entertained by the Pakistan team, which visited the bustling Fan Village at the Kalinga Stadium. The Men in Green didn't hold back as they danced to Bollywood numbers and sang them, amid cheers from spectators.
Pakistan hockey player Muhammad Irfan stole the show at the Fan Village as fans grooved to the Bollywood number he sang. He sang the Bollywood song, 'Dil Diyan Gallan' of film Salman Khan-starer Tiger Zinda Hai.
.@PHFOfficial's Muhammad Irfan is multi-talented star. After singing, he pulls up the authentic Bhangra moves with Olly at the Fan Village in Odisha.#IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey pic.twitter.com/lhb7agQas2 Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 6, 2018
The multi-talented star also pulled up the Bhangra moves with the World Cup mascot Olly at the Fan Village while other players joined him.
Pakistan bidding to qualify for knockout stages
Pakistan are currently on the third spot of Pool D table, behind Germany and the Netherlands after collecting only one point from two matches. They are slated to face the Netherlands in their last pool match on December 9.
After losing to Germany, Pakistan played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Malaysia in a Pool D match on Thursday.
The hockey players of Malaysia, the Netherlands and Germany also showed their moves as they took part in a dance-off with the mascot Olly at the Fan Village.
The Fan Village set up in an area of 18,000 square meters has been designed to keep visitors engaged in various activities.
"We love the crowd. We are happy to be here. It's incredible to play here," said Billy Bakker, the Netherlands team captain. He also shared his love for Indian food.
Later, the German team visited Odisha Police stall at the Fan Village. They were accorded a rousing welcome in the presence of DGP RP Sharma.