Players display sponsor’s name on sticks

NEW DELHI: Some of the Indian players displayed a new sponsor’s name on their sticks as the host played against England in a hockey World Cup match here on Saturday.

Shree Cement had announced on Friday that it was sponsoring the team and would utilise the sticks to display its brand. However, the Hockey India (HI) Secretary-General, Narinder Batra, expressed his ignorance about the deal having been signed with any new sponsor.

The Indian team is sponsored by Sahara India and according to the agreement it has, the sole rights to utilise articles and items associated with the team.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) said that midway through the tournament the players could not sport the logo of a new sponsor not recognised by the FIH.

However, some players, including Dhananjay Mahadik, Sandeep Singh, Arjun Halappa and Gurwinder Singh Chandi, displayed the brand. — Sports Reporter