Sahara Renews Sponsorship of Indian Hockey

Sahara India renewed its sponsorship deal with Hockey India (HI) with a 170 percent hike on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012.

The new sponsorship deal for five years is valued at around Rs 8 crores per year, a substantial hike from the Rs 3 crores per year, and will cover both the men and the women's team in the senior and junior categories.

The teams will be seen sporting the Sahara logo during the 2012 London Olympic qualifiers to be held in Delhi from February 18-26, 2012.

Sahara India chairman Subrata Roy said hockey, the national sport, deserves support.

Sahara decision to sponsor Indian hockey comes in the wake of its pullout both as the chief BCCI sponsor after 11 years and as the owner of Pune Warriors franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sahara's sponsorship of hockey is a part the group's program to promote sports at the ground level. In addition, Sahara will also support boxing, wrestling, archery, shooting, track and field and tennis.