Sahara, global hockey body FIH in pact

Sahara India Pariwar announced that it has joined hands with Federation Internationale de Hockey, the world's apex body for hockey, and becomes the fourth global partner of the federation.

In a three-year deal, which is expected to be finalised by the end of this month, Sahara India Pariwar will join FIH's three global partners, BDO International, Rabobank and Samsung.

As one of Global Partners of FIH, Sahara India Pariwar will get title rights and branding opportunities at major FIH tournaments, up to and including the men's and women's World Cup in 2006.

The FIH, as the sole international governing body of hockey, retains overall responsibility for hockey worldwide, which includes the rules of hockey, umpiring, coaching, the global development and promotion of the sport.

It also possesses the rights for all world level hockey competitions and to sanction and stage such sporting events.

As a partner of FIH, Sahara India Pariwar would also enjoy prominent brand visibility in other major international tournaments like the men's and the women's World Cups and Champion Trophies, including title rights to the men's Champions Trophies in 2005 and 2006.

Speaking on the occasion, the managing worker & chairman of Sahara India Pariwar, Subrata Roy Sahara, said, "Hockey is the national game of India. We would do everything possible within our parameters to bring back the lost glory of this game, within our nation as well as internationally. We want to see the national game of India prospering worldwide. This significant deal with FIH will not only help us promote hockey as a game globally but will also go a long way in promoting Indian Hockey globally. This is a very positive step towards a brighter future of hockey."

The sponsorship was brokered by S.S. Dasgupta, the managing director of the sports marketing agency, Leisure Sports Management.