Indian hockey: Sandeep, Sardar sign 2-year deal with IOS

Star Indian drag-flicker Sandeep Singh and mid-fielder Sardar Singh have signed a two-year contract with sports management group, IOS Sports and Entertainment (P) Limited, which will look after the duo’s endorsements and all media activities.

As per the contract, IOS will coordinate Sandeep and Sardar’s endorsement deals, media activities, rights and brand management.

Sandeep stole the limelight in the just-concluded Olympic qualifiers here, and emerged as the highest scorer with 16 goals. The lanky drag-flicker alone slammed five goals, including a hat-trick, in the final last night to book India’s London ticket.

India’s vice-captain and stand-in skipper in the final yesterday, Sardar was the mid-field pivot and he was adjudged the player-of-the-tournament.

Speaking about the deal, Sandeep said, “Indian hockey is moving in the right direction and is re-emerging as a powerful force in world hockey.

“The entire team is united in working towards a medal at the London Olympics. I am delighted to join hands with IOS who are the only ones to have made a concerted effort to promote sports other than cricket in India.”

Sardar said, “We have worked very hard over the past few years to build a strong team and the Olympic berth did justice to our work. At this important stage in my career, I am delighted to enter into this association with IOS.”

IOS currently represents five-time world boxing champion MC Mary Kom, ace golfer Jyoti Randhawa, squash champion Saurav Ghosal.

The company has previously managed Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar and was singularly responsible for identifying and promoting Vijender Singh on his route to Olympic glory.

“We are extremely pleased to have entered into this association with athletes of the caliber of Sandeep and Sardar,” said Neerav Tomar, managing director and CEO of IOS.