Arun Jaitley to stay as Hockey India League (HIL) advisory board member

Arun Jaitley

New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) After a successful two-year stint with the Hockey India League (HIL), Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday consented to continue with its Advisory Board for the next two editions.

Jaitley, who is also the defence minister, joined the Advisory Board in the first edition of the HIL in 2013 and has since been its integral member.

"When Hockey India (HI) launched HIL, we all knew that the young players will benefit the most from the league. Now we are all seeing the improvement of players' skills and in the process the Indian hockey team is gaining success both at senior as well as junior levels at the various international platforms," Jaitley said.

"I feel proud to be associated with HIL. We aim to continue this endeavour of identifying players and will look to create more avenues which will help bring more talent in the league and in the process provide them an international level competition."

Speaking on the development, HIL chairman Narinder Batra said: "It's very encouraging for HIL to get support from influential people like Mr. Arun Jaitley.

"In the first two editions he always made his presence felt by being a part of important decision-making meetings and his suggestions have always helped us to make HIL stronger. I appreciate his involvement and seriousness towards the league, despite his busy schedule."

The third edition of HIL is scheduled to start Jan 22, 2015.