Big bang domestic season ahead

With no major international activity on the anvil for the year 2011, Indian domestic season is expected to heat up.

If the activities that are going on in the corridors of those who matter are any indications, revamp of domestic circuit with innovative format and engagements are a certainty.

Highly motivated with the stupendous success of both the World Cup and Common Wealth Games hockey event, the Corporate world will be the eager participants of the proposed, high-voltage season.

These domestic activities, which is now restricted to private tournament organizers, will be managed in totality by a event management company which has already roped in a leading television channel for the purpose.

The events, and a new format league, will likely to be held in at major hockey centres where proper infrastructure exists. Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Mahararashtra are expected to be among the beneficiary states.

After the hugely popular Premier Hockey League, a brain child of ESPN-Star Sports, Indian scene had passed through almost a vacuum for want of similar packaged event.

In fact, it is gathered, the FIH is trying to have an event that will integrate with Indian domestic season.