Sahara pick up Lucknow franchise of HI League

Lucknow - Indian hockey’s chief sponsor Sahara India Pariwar announced on Monday that they have bought the Lucknow franchise of the proposed Hockey India League (HIL).

Speaking on the occasion Subrata Roy, chairman of Sahara India Pariwar, said: “We are proud to associate ourselves with this great game, which has created legends in the past. 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. We are also hopeful, that following our efforts to encourage Hockey, other corporate entities will also come forward to support this league which will eventually benefit the game and its exponents.”

Narendra Batra, secretary general of Hockey India, said: “I am grateful to Sahara India Pariwar for again coming forward in support of Hockey. The Group has always come forward and supported the sport at all times.”

HI’s ambitious professional league will hit-in during January-February next year with six city-based teams.