Chennai, 10th August 2023: Hockey India on Thursday marked its 100th Executive Board Meeting, reaffirming its commitment to the growth and development of hockey in the country. The historic gathering was Chaired by the Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey along with Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh and Hockey India Treasurer Shri Sekar J Manoharan, to discuss crucial matters shaping the future of the sport.
~ FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram and AHF President Fumio Ogura were also present on the occasion ~
The momentous occasion was also graced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Dato Tayyab Ikram and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) President Fumio Ogura, the duo was also honoured with commemorative mementoes.
During the meeting various matters were discussed including the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, which is scheduled to be held later this year, and the revival of the Hockey India League (HIL). At the meeting, the Hockey India Executive Board also officially approved the financial model proposed by the commercial agency Big Bang Media Ventures Pvt Ltd for the Hockey India League following which, the agency will formally go into the market for Hockey India League.
“I am delighted and honoured to be here today at Hockey India’s 100th Executive Board Meeting,” said Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey, before adding, “This gathering represents a century of meeting of unwavering dedication to the sport we love. Today, with esteemed leaders such as FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram and AHF President Fumio Ogura by our sides, we reaffirm our commitment to global collaboration and the common goal of uplifting hockey.”
“Last month, we convened to review the HIL revival plans proposed by our marketing agency, and today the Executive Board officially approved the financial model proposed by the Big Bang Media Ventures Pvt Ltd for the Hockey India League, and we arrived at the decision to let the agency officially step into the market for the Hockey India League. This tournament is intended to produce very high-quality hockey, which will help elevate the game even further,” he added.
“I believe that the Hockey India League is crucial for the development of the sports not just in India but across the globe because it provides a unique opportunity for our Indian hockey players, as well as foreign players, to elevate their game by competing alongside and against top talents from other national teams,” Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh said, echoing the President’s sentiments.
“This cross-cultural exchange of skills and strategies not only improves players’ abilities but also fosters a deeper understanding of the sport, allowing them to perform better on the international stage. All of this will contribute to the global growth of hockey,” he added.
HOCKEY INDIA TEAM PARTNERS
Odisha (India’s Best Kept Secret) – Major Team Partner
Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Shiv Naresh
About HOCKEY INDIA
HOCKEY INDIA (HI) is the governing body with exclusive mandate to direct and conduct all activities for both men and women’s hockey in India. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India as the sole body responsible towards promoting Hockey in India.
Headquartered in New Delhi, Hockey India was established on 20th May, 2009 and is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
Committed to the development of Hockey in the country, Hockey India with the assistance of Sports Authority of India and Department of Sports, Government of India, trains players at sub-junior, junior and senior level. The governing body engages in Coaching the coaches with International Standard certification programs, educates and equips technical officials and umpires to find a foothold in international arena, provides world-class infrastructure and International exposure for the players besides regular international competition. Hockey India has also pioneered in bringing top International hockey events to India such as the FIH Men’s World Cup in 2010 and 2018, FIH Champions Trophy in 2014, FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in 2016 and 2021, FIH Hockey World League Final in 2017. With its vision to popularize the game and constantly promote it, Hockey India brought the Indian Men’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world. Hockey India is also dedicated to getting the Indian Women’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world.
About ODISHA
Odisha – the Eastern State of India – is known for its love for Hockey and over the years it has evolved to be the Global Hub of Hockey. The State successfully hosted the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, followed by the FIH Men’s Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha, FIH Olympic Qualifiers Odisha, and FIH Hockey Pro League 2020-21. Odisha has previously hosted the Champions Trophy 2014 and the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017. Odisha also hosted the FIH Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup in 2021.
Kalinga Lancers, the team owned by the State, were the winners in the Hockey India League 2017. Taking a step further towards realising the dream of restoring the glory of Indian Hockey at the global level, the State is sponsoring the Indian Hockey Teams till 2033.
Odisha also hosted the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023.
