Delhi, January 10, 2012: Delhi Waveriders, the Delhi franchise in the Hockey India League, today announced their arrival as key contenders for the title of India’s premier hockey tournament. The franchise unveiled its team, captain and coach, along with a city based campaign to revive the passion of Hockey in the capital city starting today. The team, under the able leadership of captain Sardar Singh, acumen of coach Ajay Bansal, and guidance of Chief Advisor Ajit Pal Singh, is all set to create its own wave in the field of Hockey.
A new chapter was marked in the history of Indian Hockey with the HIL auctions, where 120 players found their respective franchisees under the five teams – Delhi Waveriders, Mumbai Magicians, Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Ranchi Rhinos & Uttar Pradesh Wizards.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amar Sinha, CEO, Delhi Waveriders said, “I feel elated in inviting the city to be a part of the iconic battle of 5 squads at the National stadium, honouring our national sport. In an effort to promote the sport and recoup its long lost sheen, the campaign ‘Hello Hockey’ was also kick- started to reinvent and re- introduce the sport hockey to the masses.”
Delhi Waveriders is geared up to rattle the grounds of the legendary Dhayan Chand National Stadium, armed with their hockey sticks to take on the opponents and prove their mettle. With every hit, with every move, the team vouches to hook, book and cook the audience, gasping for more action in the arena!
Mr. Ajit Pal Singh, Chief Advisor, Delhi Waveriders, said, “It is a moment of honour and pride for us to be associated with something as momentous as Hockey India League, extending my gratitude to Wave for having partnered for the cause of promoting the sport – Hockey. Delhi Waveriders is a strong team, and with my knowledge and expertise which I have gathered over the years, I aim at getting the best out of each player to explore their newer potentials and make the initiative – HIL- a grand success!
The first season of the Hockey India League is scheduled to kick start from January 14 and would conclude on February 10, 2013, with the five teams competing against each other in 34 matches. Wave Group has decided to give away free tickets for the first match of the season to keep up the sportsman spirit for the game, and to celebrate the one-of-its kind tournament for the national game of the country, upholding the national glory.
Team:
Sardar Singh, marquee player for Delhi Waveriders, bought for $78,000 (Rs. 42.5 lakh) Nicolas Jacobi, Pirmin Blaak, Rupinder Pal Singh, Rahul Shilpkar, Surender Kumar, Taeke Taekema, Vikramjit Singh, Bipin Kirketta, Gurbaj Singh, Mohammad Rizwan Jr, Andres Mir Bel, Hans Raj, Imran Khan, Oscar Deeke, Yuvraj Valmiki, Gurvinder Chandi, Lloyd Norris, Matt Ghodes, Danish Mujtaba, Akashdeep Singh, Mohammad Rizwan Sr., Simon Child & Talvinder Singh.