Jason Kelce, former NFL center for the Philadelphia Eagles, was seen getting into the field hockey action at the Paris Olympics 2024 alongside Rahul Dravid,
former player and coach of the Indian national cricket team.
The two sports legends interacted ahead of the India vs. Argentina hockey match, bringing together fans from different sports communities.
Rahul Dravid, who recently led Team India to a historic victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, was at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris to support the Indian Hockey Team. This visit marked one of Dravid’s appearances at the Olympics following the expiration of his contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Gautam Gambhir has since replaced him as the head coach.
The hockey match between India and Argentina was intense, ending in a 1-1 draw in the Group B fixture. Fans were thrilled to see the competitive spirit on the field, with both teams showcasing excellent skills.
Dravid, known as ‘The Wall’ during his cricketing career, had a successful tenure as India’s head coach. Although he did not win a World Cup as a player, his coaching tenure brought India significant victories, including the T20 World Cup 2024. Reflecting on his career, Dravid said, “It’s been an incredible journey, and seeing the team achieve such heights is immensely satisfying.”
Jason Kelce, who enjoyed a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, was excited to be at the Olympics. He shared a moment with Dravid before the match, discussing their experiences in their respective sports. Kelce expressed his admiration for Dravid’s coaching achievements and the impact he has had on Indian cricket.
Rahul Dravid’s successful coaching career includes guiding India to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022, the finals of the ICC World Test Championship 2023, the ODI World Cup 2023, and finally winning the T20 World Cup 2024. His partnership with captain Rohit Sharma was pivotal in creating a formidable team. Rumors suggest that several IPL teams are interested in hiring Dravid, with Rajasthan Royals reportedly keen to onboard him as head coach for IPL 2025.
Jason Kelce’s presence at the Olympics, combined with Dravid’s esteemed reputation, highlighted the universal appeal of sports and the camaraderie it fosters among athletes across disciplines. Their interaction at the Paris Olympics field hockey match was a memorable moment, bridging the gap between American football and Indian cricket fans.
