HIL will change Indian hockey: Barry Dancer

Jalandhar, Jan 8 (IANS) Former Australian international hockey player Barry Dancer, now coach with Jaypee Punjab Warriors, said the Hockey India League (HIL) will boost the profile of the game in the country.

“It will also be an opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their talent at an international level as all the matches are going to be telecast live on Star Sports. Punjab has produced several hockey stalwarts and has immense potential to serve the country in the near future too,” said Dancer.

“For the past many years, Hockey has been losing sheen both in India and Australia but the upcoming Hockey India League, and corporate support to the league, will change the scenario for better in the coming days,” he said.

There HIL involve five teams — Mumbai Magicians, Delhi Wave Riders, Ranchi Rhinos , and Uttar Pradesh Wizards — Punjab Warriors and will be played in five Indian cities from Jan 14-Feb 10.

—Indo-Asia News Service

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IANS 2013-01-08 20:26:07