If Kolkata dances to the tune of 'Korbo, Larbo, Jeetbo Re' (the theme song of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL), Ranchi would tap their feet to 'Nas Nas Mein Hockey' (hockey in our genes), director of Ranchi Rhinos Suresh Chauhan told PTI.
Chauhan said through the five-team city-based event, to be held across the country from January 14 to February 10, they are keen to bring back the glorious days of Indian hockey.
Chauhan said the HIL, an IPL-style domestic hockey league, fascinated Uniexcel group chairman Vikram Jain, who floated Asia Sports Venture along with Surender Dugar of Kolkata and Vikram Jain of Bangalore, to buy the Ranchi franchise.
"Being our home city, Kolkata obviously would have been the first choice but we opted Ranchi for its superior infrastructure (artificial turf at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium) and above all, the city has a rich heritage of hockey," Chauhan said.
Ranchi Rhinos CEO Banti Singh, a former Bengal player, added: "I have heard that in Ranchi the first thing a kid gets after he or she is born is a hockey stick. So hockey is in genes of Ranchi."
India midfielder Birender Lakra will be the face of Ranchi Rhinos, but Chauhan said they also have plans to rope in Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to promote the team in future. MORE
