Castrol to sponsor Indian team

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, JULY 2. Castrol India Limited is the latest benefactor of Indian hockey, signing a three-year agreement with the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) for sponsorship of the national team. According to the deal brokered through Kolkata- based Leisure Sports Management and announced at a media briefing in Mumbai on Monday, the Mumbai-based multi-national has been accepted as the ``official sponsor'' of the Indian hockey team, which will don the Castrol colours at all international test matches and series.

Castrol India will pay ``over'' Rs. three crores for exclusive sponsorship rights over a three-year period, the agreement coming into effect on the eve of the team's departure for the World Cup Qualifiers at Edinburgh, Scotland from July 17- 29, 2001. The company is sponsoring a ``Castrol International Hockey Festival'' at Milton Keynes from July 7-10, a series of warm-up games for the Indian team against national sides from Japan, Scotland and France planned as build-up for the Indian team.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. K.P.S. Gill, the IHF president, decried the attitude of Indian companies towards sport, hockey in particular, even after becoming ``maharajas'' due to benefits from governmental policies. ``I have come to the hub of Indian industry (Mumbai), so thought of talking on this point,'' said Mr.Gill, adding: ``We are pleased that a multi- national like Castrol has shown its long-term commitment towards hockey through this sponsorship.''

In return for the ``official sponsor'' title, Castrol will be handing over the money to the IHF, leaving it to the federation to use the money the way it wants. ``We have left it to the IHF to decide how they will spend the money,'' said Mr. Ram Savoor, managing director, Castrol India Limited, who spoke about the reasoning behind his company's decision to back hockey.

With this sponsorship, we hope to provide the much- needed fillip to the Indian hockey team as it strives to get back to its winning ways. The association will lend further distinctiveness to the Castrol brand. All our brands endeavour to have associations that go beyond just product attributes and hockey being a fast-paced and exciting sport, fits in well with our brand image and philosophy,'' he said.

The IHF president dwelt on the federation's intentions to utilise Castrol's money for development - creating a talent base, providing exposure to junior/youth team probables and supporting hockey academies. Asked whether any part of the Rs. three crores will go to the Indian team players, Mr. Gill did not reveal any specific payment details, but cautioned on the need to prevent creation of ``millionaires'' in the Indian team, emphasising on the corrupt influences of ``too much money'' in another sport.

Mr. K. Jothikumaran, the IHF secretary and Mr. Cedric D'Souza, coach of the Indian team, were the other speakers at the function. ``We are very happy to be associated with Castrol and look forward to getting back to becoming a world champion team,'' said Mr. Jothikumaran while Mr. D'Souza spoke about the boost for the Indian team. Mr. Baljit Singh Dhillon, the current Indian men's skipper and Mr. S.S. Dasgupta, MD, Leisure Sports Management were the others on the dias.

Mr. Ram Savoor, MD of Castrol India Ltd., presenting the India T- shirt printed with the sponsor's logo to Indian hockey captain Baljit Singh Dhillon in Mumbai on Monday. Also seen are Mr. K.P.S. Gill, president IHF, and national coach Cedric D'Souza.

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