Bhubaneswar: It is the fans that give any sport its true meaning, a colourful look. Without their active involvement, an event cannot be successful. The same can be said about the World Hockey League Final starting here Friday. Even though the Bhubaneswar fans have already attracted attention through their passionate support of hockey, a group of 15 Punjabi fans, settled in England have attracted media attention.
They call themselves ‘One dream one team’ with Avtari Singh and Sharan Singh their leaders. They are not like England’s own ‘Barmy Army’, but even then they have created a separate niche for themselves.
“We are passionate about hockey, having played the game in the past. The first time, we watched India playing in a tournament in 1990 at Scotland, we were bowled over by their skills. Since then we have been following the Indian team wherever they play,” informed said Avatari, who is a contractor by profession.
“We enjoy every match of India play whether they win or lose. We have followed the Indian teams into major tournaments like Olympics, World Cup, Commonwealth Games, World Hockey League Finals,” informed Sharan, who has a business establishment back in England.
“We have a special uniform, which we wear during every Indian game. Whenever India do well, we dance the Bhangra and along with it wave the Tricolour,” added Avatari with a lot of excitement.
“Each and every player of the Indian team is familiar with us. We love them very much and treat them as our younger brothers,” stated septuagenarian Avtar while shaking hands with drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh.
post news network
