FIH unveils Project Chak De for India

NEW DELHI: International Hockey Federation (FIH) is now banking on the two magical words – Chak De – to promote hockey in India and at the same time fill up its coffers. An FIH initiative ‘Project Chak De’ — which has been inspired by the Bollywood blockbuster Chak De India! — has lined up several major international events for India and is also offering the national team wildcards for prestigious events.

The project, aimed at tapping the vast potential of the Indian market following a hugely successful World Cup, is a “long-term commitment” from FIH to host major international events from 2011 to 2014. They include the men’s Champions Trophy (2011), men’s and women’s Olympics qualifiers (Feb 2012), men’s and women’s junior World Cups (2013), men’s World League Finals (2013) and women’s Champions Trophy (2014).

“Hockey is the national game of India and and so we want to make it the game’s hub for the next few years. We know that there is a big gap between cricket and hockey in this country and we want to bridge that gap” FIH president Leandro Negre said.

“The idea behind the name for the project came from FIH’s marketing manager Steven Morris. Its aim is to capture the passion the Indians have for their national game,” said FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather.

Negre said that the game’s governing body is in talks with Hockey India (HI) to promote a professional Indian league. He showed no interest in a similar league proposed by the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF). “FIH will only work with Hockey India which is the only body to run the game in India. It has been recognised by both FIH and the International Olympic Committee,” Negre said.

Fairweather added that it was up to the national federation (HI in this case) to decide what to do if any player decides to play in IHF’s proposed league.

Talking about the maiden World League Finals, Negre said the event, which will pit countries against each other before they play the final round in India, will help countries qualify for the World Cup. He also said that this year’s Champions Trophy, to be held between December 3 to 11, could be held in two cities in the country.