February 28, 2010

Delhi Got The Glimpse of Hockey World Cup

No Hockey India officials were present at the World Cup trophy launch but sponsors promise big fillip to the national sport.

Delhi got its first view of the hockey World Cup on Monday. After Ludhiana got a glimpse of one of the most prestigious trophies in world sport, the Cup, crafted by a former Pakistani personnel, finally arrived in the Capital. No senior Hockey India official was present.

Delhi will host the World Cup from February 28. Twelve nations will vie for a trophy designed in 1971 by Bashir Moojid of Pakistani army. The silver cup has an intricate floral design and is surmounted on a globe made of silver and gold. The globe is placed on a high blade base inlaid with ivory. At its peak is a model hockey stick and ball.

In a bid to generate interest in the World Cup, sponsors Hero Honda have launched a multi-media campaign called ‘Phir Dil Do Hockey Ko’. Celebrities from different walks of life are promoting the national sport.

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, cricketer Virender Sehwag and 2004 Olympic silver medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Rathore are endorsing the World Cup campaign.

On the sidelines of the World Cup, Hero Honda is also promoting the sport at the grass-root levels. The company will be organising an inter-school tournament across 29 cities, where 4,000 kids from more than 275 schools will play.

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