INVC,
Even as top talent from around the world converge in the national capital for the much awaited finals, the glittering trophy of the Hero Hockey World League winner, was unveiled here today in the presence of the captains of the participating teams.
Eight truly world class international teams including Olympic champions Germany and World champions Australia will compete in the inaugural Hero Hockey World League Final. The tournament takes place at the same venue that played host to last month’s Hero Hockey Junior World Cup, where the stars of the future took centre stage.
Mr. Pawan Munjal, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Hero MotoCorp Ltd., said: “We are happy to see the best of talents in hockey from around the world come to India and participate in the Hero Hockey World League Final. It’s a huge opportunity for hockey fans in the country to see such top talent from close quarters, I am sure it’s going to play a great role in further popularising this game amongst youngsters. I wish all the participants a grand stay and greater outings on the turf. Looking forward to some top class hockey over the next nine days.”
The Hero World Hockey League Final is the first event of an action-packed 2014, a year that will also feature hugely anticipated World Cup and Champions Trophy events.
The nine-day event in Delhi provides teams with the chance to start 2014 in the best possible fashion, with strong performances likely to generate great confidence ahead of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, which takes place between 31 May – 15 June in The Hague, Netherlands.
Leandro Negre, President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), said: “We have been very successful in presenting our newest event to global hockey. We are really pleased that the Hockey World League has successfully introduced new nations to international hockey. Our use of new media and increased live streaming has proven to be hugely popular with fans. Hockey as a sport is now more vibrant and visible than ever before and I hope that the first event of 2014 turns out to be a massive success. After all, it is held in India, a country famed for its love of hockey.”
Dr. Narinder Batra, Secretary General of Hockey India, said: “2014 is significant for Indian hockey on global and Asian levels. Besides the World Cup, Champions Trophy and the Commonwealth Games, we will also feature in the Asian Games, a continental event of great importance. Therefore, the tune for our national team will be set when the Hero Hockey World League Final begins here in Delhi. This has aroused passion all round, and the entire country is waiting for Sardar Singh and his team to deliver, which I hope they will.”
He further added: “India should now get behind their team and support them in a big way. Fan support can really make a big difference to the team’s fortunes in the highly competitive tournament such as this”.
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