Mumbai: All players contracted to play in the inaugural edition of Bridgestone World Series Hockey (WSH), including players from India’s successful Olympic Qualifier team, have reaffirmed their participation in Bridgestone WSH 2012, according to a WSH press release.
“These confirmations come despite the latest antics by IHF’s rival body in announcing a fictitious camp for Olympic probables. The IHF and WSH have been informed by the relevant authorities of sport in India that no such camp has been planned or even requested for. We have been further informed that there are no plans to conduct ANY National camp before the 4th of April 2012,” says the release.
Indian Hockey and the path-breaking event, WSH are beyond these petty politics and publicity stunts. In fact, World Series Hockey launched an incentive program called “Strive For Gold” to motivate the Indian hockey team to excel at the 2012 London Olympics. We are delighted that the team is in the right direction and re-confirm that every WSH player who was part of the victorious squad will be paid Rs 5 lakh each for achieving the first milestone.
India and the world of hockey have waited long enough; Bridgestone World Series Hockey will launch on the 29th of February 2012 . The Opening match in Chandigarh will see the Bhopal Badshahs taking on the Chandigarh Commets and will be preceded by a spectacular opening ceremony featuring Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan, Mika, Neha Dhupia and many other star performers.
The Bridgestone World Series Hockey will be held from February 29 to April 2, 2012, and will involve 200 leading players -- Indian and international -- who will showcase their talent in 59 matches and vie for the biggest prize money hockey tournament in the world.
The 8 venues for the inaugural edition of the league are Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Jalandhar, Mumbai and Pune. Chandigarh Comets will face-off against Bhopal Badshahs in the first tie of the tournament on their home ground.
