Former Pakistan hockey player takes up modeling career in Russia

Former Pakistan hockey player Imran Ali Warsi, the blue-eyed boy of Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui who was once dubbed as a replacement for penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas, is in Russia giving modeling a shot.

On Thursday, Warsi — who moved to Russia after representing Pakistan in Olympics 2008 — posted on Facebook a link showcasing his stint as a model in a music video for a Russian song, asking his followers for feedback.

The music video is not Warsi’s first attempt at a career in entertainment industry. A look at his Facebook and Twitter posts reveal that the Olympian has also featured as a model in fashion photo shoots and advertisements for different sporting brands. 

During his stint at the World Series Hockey for Chennai Cheetahs in its inaugural edition in season 2011-12, Warsi was awarded the Golden Stick for top-scoring with 19 goals.

Warsi, known for power and accuracy in his strike, is hailed as one of the biggest stars in Russia’s fast-rising hockey league.

According to figures available with The News on Sunday, Warsi represented Pakistan at the senior level in the Indian Series (2004); Champions Trophy (India, 2005); Hamburg Masters Tournament (Germany, 2005); Rabo Bank Tournament (Holland, 2005); Azlan Shah Cup (2005); PHL Hockey League, India (2005), Indian Series (2006), Commonwealth Games, Australia (2006), World Cup Qualifiers (China, 2006), Azlan Shah Cup (2006), South Asian Games (2006) and Asian Games (2006).

(Photos: Imran Ali Warsi’s Facebook page)