New Delhi: YES BANK, India's fourth largest private sector Bank, signs a multi-year deal with the Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) commencing with the 2014 season.
Announcing the deal, HIL Chairman, Dr Narinder Batra, said: “This is a fantastic, long-term partnership for the League. We look forward to our association with YES BANK to mobilise sports innovation and infuse positive energy into Hockey. Hero HIL had a terrific start last year and we are certain with YES BANK on board, it will benefit both the League and our millions of followers around the world. I welcome YES BANK to the Hero HIL family and our joint vision and commitment to the league and its fans will help make the League one of the best and the biggest in the world.”
YES BANK has been recognized amongst the India’a Top and Fastest Growing Banks and now this home grown iconic Indian brand will join HIL’s other leading brand partners- Hero MotoCorp and Airtel.
Rana Kapoor, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK said: “YES BANK is fully committed to the growth and development of India’s most participative sport - Hockey. Through its vibrant & innovative sporting format, HIL brings together the entire country, irrespective of regional or demographic diversity, as also grooms a steady pool of young, talented players for the Indian National Team. We are extremely pleased to associate with the Hockey India League. Through our dedicated Sports Banking proposition, we are also committed to provide a robust financial infrastructure to support sports through customised banking solutions for various Hockey Associations, Teams as well as Players.”
In the inaugural season, 70 top domestic players including the Indian national side as well as 50 international players who are part of the national squads of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, Spain, and Argentina played for the five franchise teams.
Of the 120 players who played in the inaugural Hero Hockey India League in 2013, 60 were Olympians. The list includes winners of the prestigious FIH Player of the Year Award including Jamie Dwyer (2004, 2009, 2010, 2011), Teun de Nooijer (2003, 2005, 2006) and Moritz Fuerste (2012). Seven of the top 10 FIH rated players played in the Hero HIL 2013.
More than 69 million fans across the world watched the inaugural tournament won by the Ranchi Rhinos telecast in 146 countries. Hero HIL used innovative marketing mediums and currently has 5.59 lac fans on Facebook, making it the largest hockey facebook page in the world and is one of the most engaging sports leagues on the social media platform.
Six franchise teams will feature in the second season of the Hero Hockey India League to be held from 25 January to 23 February 2014. The League will be an opportunity for 144 leading players to showcase their skills in 34 matches at six different venues.
Star Sports, Broadcast Partner of the Hero HIL will telecast all the matches live.
