Hockey India (HI) has entered into a historic three-year partnership with Sports Authority of India (SAI), extending its commitment towards helping the sport regain its position in the country.
This would mark the beginning of a new era for Indian hockey under the aegis of HI, enabling SAI to invest in innovative programs developing India as a world class hockey nation.
The three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was signed today at the SAI office between the two bodies, acknowledges hockey as a medium for the development and promotion of values in the youth of the nation.
It also states that SAI is desirous of promoting hockey, which is amongst the world's most popular sports, as a tool for youth development and excellence in sports.
SAI along with HI in the next three years would be working towards creating a lasting legacy for the sport by developing hockey coaching system, talent identification and infrastructure for inculcating positive values in today's youth through hockey, education, health and other allied areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Hockey India President, Narinder Batra said: "It's a very proud moment for all of us here at Hockey India today. SAI has always been there with us for our support, but this MOU only marks the beginning of a new era for hockey in India. It also shows that our team's hard work and dedication haven't gone unnoticed and the government does see a huge value that the sport can bring towards youth development in India.
"I am confident, that in the next three years we will identify many budding youngsters for our junior and senior programs, which will only further our cause of making Indian hockey world class.
