Hockey India League (HIL) has signed a multi-year title sponsorship deal with the two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, for the tournament, making it the Hero Hockey India League.
Hero MotoCorp was also the title sponsor of the 2012 Olympics Qualifier Tournament, Hero FIH Road to London 2012, won by the Indian Men’s team. In 2010, Hero was also the title sponsor of the men’s FIH World Cup in New Delhi.
Announcing the deal, Narinder Batra, secretary general of Hockey India and chairman of Hockey India League, said, “We are delighted to have Hero MotoCorp as the title sponsor of the Hockey India League. Hero Group and, particularly, MD & CEO Pawan Munjal, have always been great well-wishers of Indian Hockey, and they have supported many initiatives of Hockey India in the past few years. Hockey India League thanks Hero MotoCorp for coming on board to become our partner for a long & joyful journey.”
“Hockey holds a special place in our hearts and we are pleased to partner Hockey India League,” Munjal said.
The inaugural Hero Hockey India League will be held from January 14 to February 10. It will have 120 players, showing their skills in 34 matches.
Five teams – Delhi Waveriders, Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Mumbai Magicians and Ranchi Rhinos will compete in the inaugural season at five venues - Delhi, Jalandhar, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ranchi respectively.