Sahara India buys Lucknow hockey franchise

Lucknow: Corporate giants Sahara India Monday bought the Lucknow franchise of the soon-to-be-launched Hockey India League (HIL) which will be held in different cities of the country early next year.

The inaugural HIL will have six city-based teams playing one another on a home and away basis.

Speaking on the occasion, managing worker and chairman of Sahara India Pariwar, Subrata Roy Sahara said, "We are proud to associate ourselves with this great game, which has created legends in the past.

The inaugural hockey league next year will have six city-based teams playing one another on a home and away basis.

"By taking up this franchise we are sure that fresh talent will be identified at city and regional level, who in turn will bring laurels to our beloved nation," he said.

HI secretary general Narinder Batra thanked Sahara India Pariwar, the major sponsor of Indian hockey team, for supporting the national game in a big way.

"I am grateful to 'Saharasri' and Sahara India Pariwar, for again coming forward in support of hockey. The Group has always come forward and supported the sport of hockey at all times by providing the much needed support," Batra said.

Apart from being the sponsor of Indian hockey team, Sahara has also been a global partner of the International Hockey Federation.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)