High time hockey got its due: Shetty

Satya Siddharth Rath, TNN

MUMBAI: World Series Hockey on Wednesday announced Sporting Ace Pvt Ltd as owners of its Bangalore franchise. To be called ‘Karnataka Lions’, it will have Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty playing the role of chief mentor.

Shetty, who has been associated with the cause of hockey in the past too – he was brand ambassador of the national game not so long ago – seems an ideal choice as he also belongs to Karnataka (Mangalore, to be precise).

“Mumbai is my karmabhoomi (work place), but Karnataka is my janmabhoomi (birth place). It was about time I did something for it. I indeed feel honoured to be a part of this initiative. I am praying for WSH to be a big hit, which I am sure it will be. It’s such a brilliant concept, and will give a big boost to the game,” Shetty told TOI.

“It’s been all cricket in India till now, I think it’s high time hockey got its due,” Shetty added.

Doesn’t he feel sad seeing the current state of the game in India, considering the ongoing fight between the two factions (Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation)? “Why only hockey, I feel sad for a lot of things in India today. But certain things are beyond our control.”

Like cricket, Shetty wants hockey too to become a viable career option. “The game needs infrastructure, players need better salaries and exposure. I want this game to become a career option, like cricket.”