The Steel Authority of India will be the presenting partner for the hockey World Cup that will be hosted by India next year in March, our Correspondent reports.

This was announced after an agreement between International Hockey Federation (FIH) chief Leandro Negre and Sail director (personnel) G. Ojha in the presence of union minister for steel Virbhadra Singh and union minister of state A. Sai Prathap at Udyog Bhavan here on Saturday.

Among other dignitaries present on the occasion were Sail chairman S.K. Roongta, Hockey India president A.K. Mattoo and Olympians and former India captains Zafar Iqbal, Ajit Pal Singh and Jagbir Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Negre said: “I take great pleasure in welcoming Sail to our global hockey family in what is another landmark and globally important sponsorship for the sport.

“This event is of immense significance for Indian hockey and indeed for the game worldwide.”