World Series Hockey announces financial incentives for domestic stars
The tussle between Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to attract the national players is becoming worse day-by-day. While the former is hardening its stance on the participation of national team members in the World Series Hockey (WHS),
the latter is working to hold back its star domestic recruits.
In a recent move, the organisers of the unofficial event announced enormous financial packages for the domestic players, who will don colours in the cash-rich hockey league.
Nimbus Sports and the IHF, the two partners of the multi-million venture, announced gigantic cash prizes at a time when the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Hockey India warned the players to stay away from the league or be ready to face bans.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Nimbus Sports, Yannick Colaco, said that they were committed to facilitate the players in order to encourage them for impressive performances.
He observed, “This is the biggest incentive plan that has ever been announced to encourage the national team to 'Strive for Gold' at any international hockey tournament and WSH is proud to lead the entire transformation process in Indian hockey”.
IHF President, RK Shetty, commented that the World Series Hockey will help the national players in preparing for the upcoming international assignments particularly the Olympic Qualifiers. In his view, the huge incentives will boost the players’ morale in
the crucial tournaments.
He underlined, “Success at London Olympics will be a matter of immense national pride. IHF is committed towards creating multiple opportunities for players to excel”.
According to the announced incentive packages the Indian players, who will be selected in the national line-up for the Olympic Qualifiers, will get Rs 0.5 million each. They will be awarded Rs 0.5 million additionally, if they earn a spot in the 2012 London
Olympics.
In case the Indian squad comebacks with a third position (bronze medal) in the Olympic Games, Rs 5.0 million will be divided among the WSH-contracted players. This amount will double to Rs 10 million, if the national team wins a silver medal.
An amount of Rs 20 million will be divided amongst the players, who will have agreements with the WSH, if the Indian team lifts the gold medal in the Olympic Gala.
Undoubtedly, such incentive packages have not been seen in the past. However, it is not clear if the WSH-signed players will be allowed to represent the national team in the upcoming events or not.
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