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', 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.
Announcing the deal, 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."
Munjal added, "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."
The inaugural Hero Hockey India League will be held from January 14 to February 10, 2013. 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.
The matches will be aired on Star Sports.