Suniel Shetty - the face of Indian hockey

During the Hockey World Cup in Delhi earlier this year, Suniel Shetty was roped in as brand ambassador for the sport.

During the Hockey World Cup in Delhi earlier this year, Suniel Shetty was roped in as brand ambassador for the sport. And organised a charity match in Chandigarh in February between B-town stars and members of the national team to raise much- needed funds.

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He’d have liked to do more but the Indian Hockey Federation, he says, is not clear about its objectives or agenda and consequently, India’s national game is in a state of complete disarray.

“Cricket is flourishing but all other sports, be it hockey, football, wrestling or boxing, could do with a celebrity face who can bring in the sponsors and much-needed funds. I’m ready for it. I have driven 14 hours to small, remote towns with a population of no more than a lakh, to be the chief guest at wrestling and boxing matches,” he points out.

This year, Percept Ltd was appointed the exclusive marketing agent of the Indian Boxing Federation for the next four years. And after the Commonwealth Boxing Championships in March, has inked a first-of-its-kind marketing deal with five gold-medalists. Quiz him on whether Shailendra Singh, joint MD, Percept, has approached him for his support, and Shetty says, “Not yet, but Shailendra is a friend and he only has to call. I’m waiting to give something back to sport of any kind.”