Return of Khali

Mon, May 5 01:00 AM

Wrestling fans in the city were an excited lot, as Khali, the first Indian champ at WWE, landed in the Capital after three years. But little did the 7-foot-3-inch giant know that fans would swarm him the moment he landed in Delhi.

"I don't know whether I have a fan following in India or not, because this is the first time I'm visiting India after WWE. But the gala welcome at Delhi airport made me feel at home." His visit was not minus controversy, though.

Soon after he landed, there was someone else who made a rather challenging entry- Indian wrestling champion Palwinder Cheema challenged him to a fight under FILA rules. Worthy challenger Cheema is alleged to have said that Khali was merely a showman and that he was fooling people by acting at WWE. While we could not get Khali's reaction to this, sources close to him say that "for such things, there'll be no reaction.

Also, as per WWE guidelines, he can't accept any fight." Though Khali's take on the issue still remains a question mark, it is likely that there'll be a reaction from him during the live shows he will be part of on May 7 and 8 in Delhi, organised by WWE and Ten Sports.

During his visit Khali will be visiting an NGO working for underprivileged children in Mumbai. He'll also be dancing to Punjabi folk tunes in Mumbai and Delhi in a ring specially-designed for him, besides attending various parties.

Plans outside the ring Khali plans to contribute to wrestling in India. He feels that "a lot can be done to develop the sport.

I wish to open a training school and a properly- equipped gym sometime in the future and encourage young talents to take up the sport". Not many know that Khali won the title of Mr India in 1997.

Currently based in Atlanta, US, he says, "Life has changed quite a bit. The US is very different from India but I'm adjusting to the new environment pretty well.

I am also working on my English and #8230; it is improving slowly. With lady luck on his side, he feels he has everything one can ask for.

"My wife (Harminder Kaur) has been extremely supportive in all my endeavours. I draw strength from her.

" Though he's a die-hard movie buff, Khali's only comment on joining Bollywood is a stoic "no comment.".

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