Suresh Raina Joins 'U P Wizards', HIL

Suresh Raina, the ace cricketer, today joined the Hockey India League (HIL) franchise team - Uttar Pradesh Wizards as its co-owner. The announcement of his association was made by Abhijit Sarkar of Uttar Pradesh Wizards in an event held at Sahara Shaher, Lucknow in the presence of Suresh Raina. Born in Ghaziabad, Raina has represented Uttar Pradesh at all levels in cricket.

Speaking on the announcement of the association with Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Suresh Raina said, “It is a memorable day for me because today I am immensely proud to be associated with the national sport of our country, hockey, by joining UP Wizards. On this occasion, I would also like to take the opportunity of congratulating the Indian hockey team for bringing laurels to our nation by winning gold in the Asian games after a span of sixteen years and qualifying directly to the Olympics. Uttar Pradesh is a land of world class hockey gems like Major Dhyan Chand, K.D. Singh Babu and many more to follow and since my sports college days in Lucknow, I have a lot of friends who are hockey players and this further boosts up my pleasure of my association with hockey. I will make all possible endeavours and bring all sorts of support required for uplifting the game of hockey in the region.”

Speaking on the occasion, Abhijit Sarkar of Uttar Pradesh Wizards said, “Hockey is our national game and we are proud owner of UP Wizards. We are sure that association of Suresh Raina will make hockey more popular in the state and will attract more fan following for this sport. We will achieve greater laurels and success in the sport of hockey in the coming years and we are committed to the development of sports at all levels in the country.”

Speaking on the announcement, Elena Norman, CEO, Hockey India League said “Hockey India League welcomes Suresh Raina as the co-owner of Uttar Pradesh Wizards. It’s an honor to see cricket legends coming forward to support world’s only Hockey League and we are confident that the 3rd edition of Hero Hockey India League will take the excitement and expectations a notch higher, not only through the high adrenaline games but even the kind of association that it is garnering.”

Recently, the captain of Indian Cricket Team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has also got associated with the Ranchi franchise team of Hockey India League as its co-owner. Hockey India League is world’s most prominent hockey league and is providing a world class platform to young Indian sporting talents of this great game by giving them an opportunity to nurture their skills under the supervision of talented and veteran sportsmen.