The floodlit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the capital recently witnessed a battle of a different sort as cricketers and celebrities locked horns in a maiden charity football match. The cricketers’ team led by Virat Kohli, however outpaced the celebs as they won the match by 4-3.
The match organised on behalf of the Virat Kohli Charity Foundation saw Kohli’s All Heart Football Club take on All Stars Football Club led by the Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan.
Despite the presence of popular cricketers like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ishant Sharma (taking up the goalkeeper’s role), Zaheer Khan, Manoj Tiwary in their team, the loudest cheer was reserved for Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor.
Sporting a blue jersey, spiced with a red bandana, the Barfi star proved that he is no novice with the ball as he dribbled and dodged past the defenders.
“We practiced for this match every Sunday since the last 6-7 months. I believe sports play a crucial role in our lives and not only keeps us healthy but also inculcates the spirit of sportsmanship and brings discipline in one’s life,” said Ranbir.
Talking about his passion for football, the actor shared, “I have been passionate about football right from school days. I played for the Under-14, Under-16 and at the district level, but then gradually lost touch with the sport.” Ranbir topped his efforts by scoring the All Stars’ third goal from the edge of the box at the match.
During the first half of the game, the cricketers dressed in red and black jerseys, showed their prowess with the ball by smashing three goals. But gradually the cheers and the spirit of the crowd seemed to encourage the celebrities as well and they picked up pace.
While the Stars were coached by star footballer Baichung Bhutia, the Hearts learnt the tricks from India striker Sunil Chhetri.
Far-seated in the madding crowd we spotted model and VJ Pia Trivedi (engaged to Ritwik Bhattacharya, who was playing for the All Stars team, Sakshi Dhoni (cheering hubby Dhoni), the hot wife of Sachiin Joshi (played for the All Stars) Urvashi Sharma.
The stadium saw a turnout of over 10,000 odd crowd, that had a good time with both sides playing an entertaining brand of football.
Excited and eclectic young fans were seen thumping and clapping every time the ball was under the control of Dhoni or Ranbir.
City-based youngster Myara Roy, who came with her gang of friends to watch the match said, “It was a different kind of experience to witness this event as it brought the sporty side of our favourite Bollywood stars. The exuberant display of stamina and style by the stars added to the spirit. And it was great fun watching the cricketers trying their hands at football.”
Young city girls thronged in large numbers wearing the best of their outfits to catch a glimpse of their latest crushes including Amit Sadh, Kohli, Varun Dhawan among several others. The cricketers broke into an impromptu gig after the end of the match and danced to Gangnam Style, much to the delight of the crowd.
The funds raised from the match went to the Magic Bus Organisation, which works for charity for underprivileged children.