World Cup of clubs in December

Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is all set to hold the inaugural World Cup of clubs in India in December this year.

FIH President Leandro Negre said the international federation had found out an Indian sponsor for the event. “We are in the final stages of the plan. If the proposal is passed by the FIH Executive Committee, then we will have the tournament by December this year,” said Negre on the opening day of the Hero Honda World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium here on Sunday.

“We have got an Indian sponsor and according to the deal the tournament will be held in India for the next five years. Eight top teams from five continents will take part in the tournament and it will be held over the weekend from the quarterfinal stage,” he added.

Negre did not commit whether the World Cup of clubs would be a single-venue affair.

Negre said he had a discussion on the subject with Sahara Group Chairman Subrata Roy, who assured of his support to hockey. However, the FIH chief did not go into the details of the discussion.

The Spaniard stressed on the revival of the Premier Hockey League (PHL) in India. “It is more important to revive PHL to promote Indian hockey.”

He said after five years the FIH would like to hold the event around the world.

Asked about the Hockey India (HI) elections, Negre said it was one of the top priorities for FIH before the start of the new event.

“For such a big event we need to have an elected and an efficient HI soon. The World Cup will be a big boost for the development of the sport in the country,” he added.