Hockey India League signs Hero MotoCorp as title sponsor

Hockey India League (HIL) signed a multi-year deal with Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, for the ‘Title Sponsorship’ of the much-awaited League.

Hero MotoCorp has always reposed its faith in Indian hockey by promoting the game in the country through sponsorship of marquee tournaments and other initiatives.

With this sponsorship, the tournament will be called as "Hero Hockey India League". 

Announcing this here today, Narinder Batra, Secretary General of Hockey India and Chairman Hockey India League, said “We are delighted to have Hero MotoCorp as the Title Sponsor of the Hockey India League. Hero Group and particularly its 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.”

Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd. said “Hockey holds a special place in our hearts and we are pleased to partner with Hockey India League. I am sure that the initiative taken by Hockey India to start this league will go a long way in developing the game and bring back its old glory”.

Hero MotoCorp was the Title Sponsor of the 2012 Olympics Qualifier Tournament – ‘Hero FIH Road to London 2012’, which was won by the Indian Men’s team, thereby securing a berth in the 2012 Olympic Games. In 2010, Hero was also the Title Sponsor of the men’s, FIH World Cup held in New Delhi.

The inaugural Hero Hockey India League will be held from 14 January to 10 February 2013 involving 120 leading players, showing their finest 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.