The international hockey federation’s (FIH) plans for cashing in on hockey’s popularity in India has been met with mixed reactions. The FIH aims at tripling its annual budget of $5 million by targeting sponsors and staging top events in India.

Although it is being billed as a boon for the game in India, many are taking it with a pinch of salt. “The idea may be good, but the FIH should concentrate more on the Hockey India election (before next year’s world cup),” said former India captain Dhanraj Pillay.

Gavin Ferreira, coach of the Air India team, also emphasised on the role of Indian hockey’s governing body.

“The FIH plans to gather revenue by bringing more sponsors to the game. However, they can’t do it without the support of
our apex body,” said Ferreira, whose team is participating in the Shastri Hockey Championship here.

Dronacharya Award winner Baldev Singh, however, welcomed the move.

“If the decision brings more international tournaments to our country, there is a strong possibility of hockey becoming more popular. It is too early, however, to comment further,” he said. Another official, who did not want to be named, said the responsibility of making the sport a success is linked to how it is marketed.

“The Premier Hockey League never took off. Cricket took up the idea and turned the Indian Premier League into a huge success.”