?Sports broadcaster Star India has bagged the broadcasts rights from International Hockey Federation (FIH) in an eight-year deal. The sports channel has decided to invest Rs 100 crore in Hockey India League, and bagging the new rights is set to give a major fillip to the sport.
Though India lost 1-2 to Belgium to finish sixth in World Hockey League, the fact that the FIH has already announced the 2018 Hockey World Cup in India has ensured that the sports broadcaster is on a winning wicket. The 14th edition of the Hockey World Cup will be held during December 1-16, 2018 in India.
The contract will run from January 2015 to December 2022. “FIH is to host one key tournament every year across all the eight years. When the tournament happens in India, Star Sports would be in a key position with its exclusive broadcast,” said an official, adding that FIH coming to India on a regular basis was part of a long term strategy to revive the game in the country.
Currently, Ten Sports is broadcasting FIH events. In its four-year term ending in 2014, Ten Sports would have broadcast over 50 India playing matches. It had also acquired the rights for two FIH events - Champions Trophy and Champions Challenge.
The new deal grants Star Sports broadcast rights for key FIH events, both in India and throughout the world. As part of the deal, Star Sports has acquired global media rights for all territories, excluding Argentina.
Star Sports has also launched a unique marketing campaign to build the second edition of HIL, which starts from January 25, 2014. The marketing campaign has been shot across all six team States which are participating in the league and shows star players showcasing their skills at iconic locations.
Source: Thehindubusinessline.com
