MUMBAI: The Hockey India League (HIL) has got an additional live telecast partner for the next three years – the Sony Sports Network (SSN). The league has signed a contract with the broadcast network. Mid-last week, DD had announced that it was coming on board for the whole tournament’s telecast.
What’s special about the SSN deal is that it will be airing the matches with Telugu and Tamil commentary as well as Hindi and English in a bid to broad base the appeal of the sport. The tournament can be viewed on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu) channels in both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD). The league, featuring domestic and international players, is to take place in Ranchi and Rourkela for both men and women and will be flagged off on 28 December.
Said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer & head sports business Rajesh Kaul : “Hockey has gained significant popularity in India with the Indian team's success in consecutive Olympics contributing to the resurgence. At SSN, we have always been committed to serving Indian fans with a diverse sports portfolio. The inclusion of one of the world's premier franchise-based hockey leagues will undoubtedly bring fans closer to the game. We see our partnership with it as a key step toward establishing ourselves as the home of hockey, just as we have done with other major sports in our portfolio."
Highlighted HIL governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey: “Sony Sports’ expansive coverage across multiple channels and languages will ensure that fans from all corners of the country can enjoy the league. This season is poised to be bigger, better, bolder, and we are confident that Sony's unmatched telecast capabilities will help take the excitement of Indian hockey to new heights."
Added HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh: "Our focus has always been on promoting hockey to a wider audience, and this partnership with SSN allows us to do just that. With their multilingual telecast plan, we are making the sport accessible to a larger audience, bringing them closer to the game. We believe this season will set a new benchmark in terms of viewership and fan engagement."
(Picture courtesy Hockey India League)
