Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj
Former Indian Hockey Captain Sandeep Singh saw a career graph like no other – comprising initial feats, major setbacks and unprecedented success.
Based on the life of Sandeep Singh, ‘Soorma’ delves deep into the story of the world’s fastest drag-flicker, starring Diljit Dosanjh (playing Sandeep) and Taapsee Pannu.
Hailing from Shahbad Markanda in Kurukshetra, Haryana, Sandeep made his debut for India aged just 17 in 2003.
The following year, he participated in the Athens Olympics. Things were going well for the young Sandeep and he steadily rose to fame as a master on the drag-flick until tragedy struck one day.
On 22 August 2006, while travelling to Delhi on the Kalka Shatabdi Express, an RPF Jawan fired his revolver unintentionally and the bullet hit Sandeep’s spine. Paralysed after the incident, Sandeep was told by the doctors that he would never be able to play hockey again. But being the Soorma (Warrior) that he is, Sandeep was undeterred.
He took support of a hockey stick to stand and soon went abroad for six-month-long rehab.
He left India on a wheelchair and returned on his feet.
Coming back into the Indian team for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2008, Sandeep ended up as the tournament’s highest goal scorer with eight goals to his credit.
He led the Indian team – as captain – to their first Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in 13 years.
Sandeep eventually broke Indian Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay’s record of 121 goals, recording the fastest known drag-flick in the world at 145 km/h.
‘Soorma’ is set to hit theatres on 13 July 2018.
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