K. ARUMUGAM
Globally acclaimed Hockey India League will be relaunched early next year. Hockey India has taken a first major step towards resurrecting the big bang hockey league. Interestingly, it has taken on board Big Bang Media Adventures Pvt Ltd — who will have a major role in reviving the field hockey’s most popular event – as its commercial and marketing partner. In effect, they will be brain trust of the future HIL.
Hockey is a pioneer in mooting and executing sports league in India. However, Hockey India League, started in 2012 after two previous ventures — Premier Hockey League and World Series Hockey — failed to sustain initial momentum and eventually folded up sooner than expected.
However, Hockey India League, the brainchild of former Hockey India supremo Narinder Dhruv Batra, proved to be a game changer for the world hockey, which was by and large consumed by the amateurism.
Hockey India League saw first-ever auction of players, Marquee players, highest prize money etc.
After getting unanimously elected as president of Hockey India, who happens to be winning captain of first ever hockey league (PHL), gave top priority to revival of the HIL.
And now we hear the first major step.
Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India, said, “I am very pleased today, because the Hockey India League was one of my top priorities when I assumed office as president of Hockey India. It will be a critical stepping stone for India. We are delighted to have Big Bang Media Ventures as our exclusive Commercial partners for the HIL. Their understanding of sport, esports, content, media & IP monetisation is unparalleled and we are very excited for what we could collectively achieve and deliver. I am delighted that we are moving towards the launch of a new era of the Hockey India League. It will revitalise not only hockey in India, but also bring fresh energy to the sport globally”.
Echoing the sentiments of the President, Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General, Hockey India, said, “The Hockey India League will bring together the best of the world and a great learning experience for young talent as well. We are confident of taking this forward with Bing Bang Media Ventures Pvt. Ltd. and their expertise to manage the commercial and marketing aspects of the league”.
HI President Dilip Tirkey with Big Bang Media Venture’s executive in the agreement signing function
Big Bang Media Ventures Pvt Ltd (BBMVPL) is one of the country’s leading content, education, esports and talent management conglomerates with market leading brands viz Collective Artists Network, Phantom, Mythoverse, AISTS India, NASEF India under it’s umbrella. BBMVPL also recently conducted the Asia Open esports championship in partnership with the International E Sports Federation (IESF).
Ravneet Gill & Madhu Mantena, Founders of BBMVPL, remarked, “The Hockey India League has been a global benchmark for the sport and we are pleased to be a trusted partner for Hockey India in managing the commercial aspects of the league. We are privileged to be part of this incredible and important initiative and look forward to support the launch of a successful league.”
With this momentous announcement, Hockey India takes great pride in taking this first step towards the initiative of bringing together a new edition of the Hockey India League.