Bhubaneswar, Nov 28: Students of SAI International School here had an exciting day Wednesday when the England National Men’s Hockey team visited the school and shared some unforgettable moments with the students. It was a red letter day for these students as they got a rare opportunity to meet the England Hockey Team and interact with the players freely.

Aside from the interaction session when the players answers answered varying questions put up by the students, the visiting team also played hockey with the children and discussed the techniques of game with the students. Even England team also tested the students’ IQ by asking them trivia questions about the England team. The British Deputy High Commission organised the event wherein all the players and coaching officials of the England team wowed the kids with their drilling skills.

Talking about the event, Shahida Khan, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata, said that the ties between the UK and India are strong in many ways. The England players’ visit to the school showcases the strong bond between the two great nations. The glow on the face of the English players is an indication of how much they loved the time they spent in the school. In fact, this fantastic interaction with students reflects the 70-year-old UK-India connection.” Andy Halliday, manager, England Hockey Team, said that the rousing welcome at the school gate reflected the warm Indian hospitality.

Addressing the gathering, cocaptain and goalkeeper George Pinner said, “We definitely got better chance than any other players, as we are here”. He added that the team feels good to experience the amazing culture of Odisha. Talking about their experience, Pinner said, “We had lots of fun here and we tried to pass on our knowledge of the game to the students.We hope that they have learnt few tricks from us.”

Midfielder David Ames said that the interaction with the kids had charged them up for their first game against China, November 30. “We are trying to adjust to the climate and trying to calm ourselves for the first game. The game against China will be the first hurdle towards our glory – winning the trophy.” Edward Barney, performance director, England Hockey Team, in his keynote address, said that it is a delightful time for the English players to step out of their rooms and explore the culture of the state. He also lauded the state for its rich culture of sports, especially hockey, and congratulated SAI for being the third best school in the country.

Shivangi Sharma, a student of SAI, said that the England team players had taught them some crucial tricks of the game and also gave them autographs that they would cherish most for a long time to come.

Principal Harish Sanduja spoke aboutthe concept of doing ‘namaste’ and that people across the world are the same and they only differed in their respective cultures. He added that it was a great pleasure to host the England hockey team.

Arindam Ganguly, OP