Pune, January 14: The Indian hockey team”s first training session at the World Cup preparatory camp after their nation-shaking strike ended on a musical note with singer-actor Salma Agha performing for the players here today.
The session began with Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi speaking to players in the presence of chief coach Jose Brasa and national coach Harendra Singh.
And when the initial two-hour physical training session culminated, famous Pakistan-born singer-actor Salma Agha sang song for the players. The actor-singer, famous for her role and songs in the super-hit movie of the early 80s ”Nikaah”, was accompanied by model Mink Brar and Bollywood actress Hazel.
“The boys wanted me to sing before them when they come to recommence the camp. It was a very emotional moment in my life when the players themselves came forward to request me.
It was a very delightful and memorable experience for me,” Agha said. Agha said she will raise funds for the Indian hockey team through concerts.
“I am going to do a lot of shows for them and hopefully I will be present at some of the matches in World Cup,” she said. Senior player Prabhjot Singh said with payment-related issues behind them, the players were ready to start afresh.
“All the players are happy that she came and honoured our request. She provided emotional and inspirational touch.
We continued from what we were doing before (the strike). The problems are behind us,” he said.
—PTI