Pak. hockey players draw inspiration from 'Chak De India'

Pakistan chief coach, Islahuddin Siddique, after watching the movie said the players were clearly stirred by the film.

"Some of the things shown in the film are familiar to them and they were impressed by the way Shah Rukh unites his bunch of players into a fighting team who go on to win the World Cup," he told PTI.

Skipper Rehan Butt said the squad derived inspiration from the movie.

"I think the film is very inspiring. The players feel inspired after watching it and it is clear we have to play as a team to do well in this tournament and comeback from the defeat to Japan," Butt said.

Butt also felt that through the film, Shah Rukh has done a lot to popularise hockey as a sport.

Interestingly, a recent survey, carried out by two television, declared Shah Rukh as the most popular Bollywood star in Pakistan.

"I just hope the movie's success also lures companies into sponsoring hockey. The sport is badly in need of sponsorship and glamour," Butt added.

Vice captain, Salman Akbar said the movie was a treat for all the players.

"We just want to repeat the success story shown in the film by playing with unity and spirit. It is a great film," he said.

Source: Hindu.com