New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) Two-wheeler major Hero Honda will be the title sponsors of the hockey World Cup to be hosted here in March next year.
International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Lendro Negre and managing director and CEO of Hero Honda Motors Ltd Pawan Munjal signed a deal at an impressive ceremony attended by the members of the 1975 World Cup winning Indian team.

“For the global development of hockey, it is important that Indian hockey should come up and play to its true potential,” said Negre.

“The FIH hopes that hosting the 2010 World Cup will give a tremendous boost to Indian hockey. I believe that the support of Hero Honda - which is one of the most visible brands committed to the promotion of sports in India - will greatly contribute not only to the success of the World Cup, but also to the growth of hockey in the country,” he said.

Munjal said hockey is still followed passionetly in India.

“Hockey has gone through many trials and tribulations in the past decade. But the sport still holds a place of pride in the heart of Indian people. We earnestly hope that hosting the World Cup in India will rejuvenate hockey and rekindle the passion for it,” he said.

“We will continue to invest in sports with the objective of seeing India emerge as a global superpower in sports.”

Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, who was also present on the occasion, said: “The World Cup 2010 will serve as an ideal preparatory platform for the Commonwealth Games, to be held in India in the same year. The tournament will herald an exciting year in Indian sport.”

The World Cup trophy was also unveiled here. It is a gold and silver trophy with an intricate floral design.