NEW DELHI: Hockey India has confirmed plans to relaunch the Hockey India League (HIL) early next year, announcing Big Bang Media Ventures Pvt Ltd as its exclusive commercial and marketing partner agency for the event.
For the record, HIL ran for five seasons from 2013-2017 before being shelved.
Speaking on the occasion, HI president Dilip Tirkey said, “I am very pleased today (Monday), because the Hockey India League was one of my top priorities when I assumed office as president of Hockey India. It will be a critical stepping stone for India and we are delighted to have Big Bang Media Ventures Pvt Ltd (BBMVPL) as our exclusive commercial partners for the HIL. Their understanding of sport, esports, content, media & IP monetisation is unparalleled and we are very excited for what we could collectively achieve and deliver.”
“I am delighted that we are moving towards the launch of a new era of the Hockey India League. It will revitalise not only hockey in India, but also bring fresh energy to the sport globally”, he continued.
HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added, “The Hockey India League will bring together the best of the world and a great learning experience for young talent as well. We are confident of taking this forward with Big Bang Media Ventures Pvt. Ltd. and their expertise to manage the commercial and marketing aspects of the league”.
BBMVPL is a content, education, esports and talent management company with Collective Artists Network, Phantom, Mythoverse, AISTS India, NASEF India, under its umbrella. BBMVPL also recently conducted the Asia Open esports championship in partnership with the International E Sports Federation (IESF).
Ravneet Gill & Madhu Mantena, founders of BBMVPL, remarked, “The Hockey India League has been a global benchmark for the sport and we are pleased to be a trusted partner for Hockey India in managing the commercial aspects of the league. We are privileged to be part of this incredible and important initiative and look forward to support the launch of a successful league.”
HIL was stopped after the 2017 edition due to financial issues and HI is now looking to its new partners to revive the league. “We wanted the league to start as soon as possible but there is no window till February. But it gives us ample time to put all the things in place,” an HI source told PTI.
