DELHI: In a mutually beneficial relationship, Akshay Kumar, one of the top stars from Bollywood, has aligned himself with the ongoing Hero Hockey India League through a partnership with broadcaster Star Sports.

On the eve of the release of his upcoming movie ‘Special 26’, Akshay will use this platform to promote the game and the movie through this promotional tie-up, a press release from Star Sports said.

Akshay Kumar who is popularly known for his hard hitting action roles will be promoting the league through specially crafted promotional spots. The sports channel will utilise the ongoing one-day international cricket matches between India and England to promote this partnership.

Aloke Malik, Managing Director, ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd, said, “We are delighted to be associated with Akshay Kumar for Hero Hockey India League. We will leverage the India England ODI series to promote this association. Akshay will be seen in specially crafted promotional spots for HHIL which will be played during the 4th ODI while a special on-air integration is being planned for the last ODI as well.”

Speaking on the occasion, Akshay Kumar, said, “I am glad to be associated with this spectacular event. I am a sportsperson by heart and it is good to see world class hockey action across cities in the country. I have seen some of the matches and loved what I saw. The quality of action is amazing as you see the best of players in the world showcase their talent on the turf. Day before yesterday’s match between Mumbai Magicians and Delhi Waveriders was a blockbuster with two evenly balanced teams scoring as many as 10 goals between them. This is exactly the kind of hockey which will attract the youth of today. This league has the potential to change the face of hockey in the country. I will follow as many matches as I can and I think we have here a recipe for a very successful property for years to come.”

Prior to the commencement of the tournament, STAR Sports has unveiled former India cricketer and Member of Parliament Navjot Singh Sidhu as the brand ambassador for the Hero Hockey India League. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) sanctioned ‘Hero Hockey India League’ is a global league with players from as many as 11 countries. The first edition has participation from five teams – Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Delhi Waveriders, Mumbai Magicians and Ranchi Rhinos. The finals of the league will be played in Ranchi on 10th February while Akshay Kumar’s movie is slated for a Friday release on 8th February.

Courtesy: Sportzpower