CONVINCED ABOUT HIL'S ECONOMIC VIABILITY: HI CHIEF TIRKEY

HEN former India captain Dilip Tirkey was elected as the president of Hockey India, besides galvanising the India team, he had two objectives in mind.

- INDRANEEL DAS @Chennai

He told this daily during an interview last year that one of them was to revive the Hockey India League (HIL) that helped Indian players improve substantially while playing against top players across the world, while the other was to develop hockey in the grassroots. Finally, the franchises and dates have been announced and players have been drafted into eight teams through auction.

With about three weeks left for the HIL to begin, the league has been facing some teething issues. One such is the revenue model and foreign players leaving because of the low bid. Another was to find a long-term or title sponsor. HI president Tirkey, in a chat with this daily, elucidated plans for generating revenue and also revealed that in a short while they are going to announce a title sponsor. He admitted that some foreign players have left franchises after the auction but HI is trying to find the right solution. Tirkey also spoke sustainability of the tournament, the future and more. Excerpts...

• The league had helped Indian players improve, seven years later, do you think HIL will have the same impact?

What do young players need to develop? They need exposure to world-class players, tactics, coaching and fitness standards. This is exactly what the Hockey India League will provide and will help nurture local talent of international quality. As a result of HIL, I can clearly see India dominating world hockey in years to come.