That the hockey’s profile in India is on increase is no news. What is the news now is women, for long denied the exalted status compared to their male counter part, too are joining the wave of ‘Brand’Wagon.
For a first time in the realm of women hockey in India, golden girl Surajlata Devi, who led India in its last three title victories, has been contracted by an image making company, along with ace striker Dhanraj Pillay as the brand ambassador for the VII World Bamboo Congress.

Percept D’Mark that made waves last year by signing three men hockey stars, added Surajlata Devi in their cherished list. First function of which was held today at Gladridge bouquet hall.

Both Suraj and Dhanraj joined the organizers of the World Bamboo Congress on the dais to formally announce the hosting of the prestigious World bamboo Congress in New Delhi from Feb 27th to March 4, 2004. The Congress has come to India for the first time.

The Congress will witness participation of over 1000 foreign delegates from 50 countries. Current captains of men and women sides Pillay and Devi will be brand amabassador for the event, heralding a new chapter in the history of the Indian hockey when both captains come together to promote a national event such as this.

Suraj, all blush and awe, made a good speech after Dhanraj delivered his speech in the specially convened press meet.

Both went down the memory lane as to how they started their career with hockey sticks made out of bamboo. In the days of mulberry sticks and graphite handles, this might look different, but as Suraj put it, bamboo sticks are still the preferred ones in North Eastern States, where girls and boys from middle and poor class take to hockey in a big way but cannot afford to modern equipment.

Fittingly, an official informed that a provincial Government has already initiated a move to start a bamboo hockey stick manufacturing unit in Shima. He expressed the hope mass production of bamboo sticks will help hockey spread nook and corner of the country.