HI announces own league from 2013 HOCKEY

As the Indian Hockey FederationNimbus backed World Series Hockey builds up momentum, Hockey India moved to counter the proposed league, announcing on Friday that it would conduct an international event on similar lines of its own under the aegis of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) from 2013.

Hockey India also once again warned national players of the consequences if they opted to leave the India camp and play for the WSH, that begins on December 15 this year.

“The dates for the WSH League in December 2011January 2012 clash with the national coaching camps, which will be in progress at this time in preparation for the Olympic qualifiers.

“The IHF is fully aware that the WSH is an unsanctioned event, which attracts penalties and suspensions for violations,” Hockey India said on Friday.

Regarding the proposed league in 2013, teams featuring the top players from across the world — besides those from India — will be roped in.

A request has been sent to the world body to open a 45-day window in their calendar for the event, to avoid clash with international tournaments.

The teams will be owned by franchisees and the matches will be played on a home and away basis.

The league will be an annual feature.

Teams featuring top players from across the world -besides those from India -will be roped in for the proposed league in 2013