Kannada kids' movie will promote hockey

BELGAUM: Five years ago, Chak De! India with Shah Rukh Khan stirred up people's interest in hockey. Now, Kannada film producer Gandsi Sadanandaswamy wants to do a similar 'chak de'. He is coming out with a movie on hockey called 'Supreme'.
What many associations couldn't do, this hockey enthusiast says, he wants to do: promote the national game from grass root level through this children's film.As part of the movie, he will conduct U-14 hockey tournaments across the state; the final will be held in Belgaum at Nehru Stadium on November 23 and 24. "This will not be a docu feature but have a story and loads of entertainment to engage the children's interest. Once a world powerhouse of hockey, today India is languishing at the far end of the scoreboard. Hockey is unable to compete with other glamorous sports, I want to take the sport to the children and strive for its promotion across the state through this film,'' said Gandsi.
"As a tribute to hockey greats like Major Dhyan Chand, the children in the film are named after the legends. It is our ambition to build hockey team in each village across the state. The jersey colour worn by Dhyan Chand during his last match will be worn by all the children taking part in the tournament,'' said Gandsi.
Nearly 25,000 children are expected to come to Belgaum on November 24. Our concept is "Dil do hockey ko', said Gandsi. Director Sanjeev Reddy said they plan to release the movie in March or April next year.
Former Indian hockey player Subedar Sudhakar Chalke, who is coaching the children, said: "This is a good initiative. I am ready to work for hockey round-the-clock.''