At last, something Live — Lanco Super Series 9s.

Lanco Super Series 9s will be telecast ‘Live’.

After almost an year, Indian hockey fans will have something Live on the screens.

Since last Asian Games, hockey fans have been waiting to see action on the screen. However, despite India figuring in some engagements such as Azlan Shah Cup and Asian Champions Trophy, their organizers failed to bring the turf action on the screens.

Now we have the good news.

Its not Hockey India, Its not Asian Hockey Federation, but a distant Hockey Australia that is taking the lead, and is ready to fulfill the aspirations of sub-continental fans.

India and Pakistan fans will be able to watch their two national teams in action at the upcoming Lanco International Super Series as the tournament will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN-STAR SPORTS, from October 20th to 23rd, 2011.

The Lanco International Super Series is a newly created tournament, which has a revolutionary new format and new rules to make the game faster and more exciting – it will be hockey like you’ve never seen before! Think the T20 of hockey, known as Hockey 9’s!

Fresh off their Asia Champions trophy victory, India will be sending full-strength men’s and women’s squads to participate in the tournament. The Indian men’s team will take on Australia, New Zealand and old rivals Pakistan, while the women’s team will play Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.

All round matches from the tournament, including those involving India’s men’s and women’s teams, will be shown live on ESPN-STAR SPORTS sta­rting October 20th.

The broadcast of the Lanco International Super Series will not only allow fans an opportunity to see the new format of the game, but will also offer a rare chance for the Indian fans to watch their teams play away from India.

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Mark Anderson said he is pleased the Indian fans will have an opportunity to experience the excitement of the tournament.

“With newly created rules including nine players per side with one permanent forward and larger goals, this tournament is planned to provide excellent viewing for both traditional hockey fans and those who just love fast paced sport played at an elite level. The fact that all matches will be shown live back into India will allow all of those passionate Indian fans to enjoy a format that should suit the Indian teams,” said Anderson.

Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth said continual promotion of hockey in India was of benefit to the continual growth of the game.

“It is important that hockey is continually promoted in the right way in counties such as India and Pakistan. The Lanco International Super Series is certainly going to be an interesting tournament to watch, so it is pleasing to have India and Pakistan involved and to allow their fans to watch the action,” said Charlesworth.

Hockey Australia has engaged leading Indian sports marketing agency Commune for the tournament, and ESPN-STAR SPORTS will telecast it to various locations across South Asia including India, Pakistan (who are also competing in the tournament), Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal.

Aloke Malik, Managing Director, ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd, said, “9-a-side hockey over a smaller time period is a revolutionary new concept and should make the game faster and more exciting for hockey lovers worldwide. In addition, the quality of hockey in the Lanco International Super Series will be of the highest order with some of the top teams participating in both the men’s as well as women’s event. We are very pleased to work along with Hockey Australia and Commune to bring key matches of this event live on our networks in the Indian subcontinent.”