At one end we have the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Vijay Mallya investing millions of rupees in an overly popular sport, all in the name of encouraging new talent. Obviously none of them are ready to discuss the millions they are set to gain once IPL Tournament begins next month.
And the other end, we have Bollywood’s Khiladi No. 1 aka. Akshay Kumar lending a helping hand where it really matters and could end-up making a huge difference.
Akshay Kumar is all set to sponsor and take care of the financial needs of five wrestlers in Mumbai. All are at present associated with the Maharashtra Wrestling Association.
Show organiser, promoter and Congress party spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam said, “Akshay will be taking care of their basic needs such as food, gear and travel. We have already set up a huge ‘akhada’ in Goregoan for their training and Akshay has promised that he would be visiting it from time to time. In our country, 99 per cent of the sponsorships go to cricket, tennis and football. Apart from cricket, we hardly have any standing in the international sporting arena. There are some sports where people like Sania Mirza do well individually, but such stories are few and far between. But I feel very hopeful about wrestling and this will help us.” [Link]
Now that’s what I call “Asli Mard” – Good on you Akki baba, hopefully unlike others you will keep to your word.
Comments
2 comments | Add your comment »
Moksh Juneja
Jan 30th, 2008 at 9:06 am | #
The other example that I think of who didnt try to be different, but is.
Anil Kumble who was the silent captain taking the lead even under difficult time in Australia. He commented only when spoken to, he commented the right thing, without fueling the fire down under. I actually like the way he took a stand and supported the whole team. If it was Dada, then i don’t want to imagine how he would have reacted…
Gaurav
Jan 30th, 2008 at 1:52 pm | #
Yes, commitment is the key word. Hopefully he wont backout after couple of months. As for SRK, well he always there where there is money.