LAUSANNE: The International Hockey Federation wants to boost its income before the 2016 Olympics by cashing in on the sport’s popularity in India.

Field hockey’s ruling executive meets this week to study a six-year plan that aims to raise the game’s profile by using its biggest fan base.

Christophe Troendle, the FIH’s director-general, says field hockey is part of the culture of India which has 1.1 billion people.

The FIH hopes that targeting sponsors and staging more top events in India could help triple its annual budget of 5 million Swiss francs ($5 million; euro3.3 million).

New revenue from India would also reduce the governing body’s dependence on the International Olympic Committee, which provides 40 per cent of its income.