Bangalore: The game of the sub-continent, hockey, is all set for a revival with television coverage and corporate support.

Monday saw a road show with the sports broadcaster ESPN, to give a send-off to the city team, Bangalore Lions, for Premier Hockey League starting on Thursday. ING Vysya is sponsoring the team from Bangalore, earlier known as Bangalore Hi-Fliers.

Captain of Bangalore Lions Arjun Halappa said, "I am delighted with the support we have received in our hometown. We will try to win PHL this year."

At the road show, PHL-related quiz and contests were organised. The event also gave information on the local team and its players.

A dance troupe performed on the team's theme song. ESPN, in association with a music company, also launched PHL's team music album featuring a collection of favourite songs of Tier I captains.

Favourite songs

The Bangalore Lions album with the PHL anthem and favourite songs of Arjun Halappa were distributed among enthusiastic supporters. The albums will be on sale shortly at music stores.

The Indian Hockey Federation has announced important changes in the format of PHL 06. The changes were made after an analysis of the inaugural league held last year in Hyderabad.

The most notable change is the introduction of third umpire for the first time in hockey.

The on-field umpires will be equipped with mobile phones to make the game more involving. In addition, Tier I will have a "Best of Three Finals", unlike last year when a winner was decided after a round robin league.

The top two teams from Tier I after the round robin league will compete in the "Best of Three Finals". Tier I matches will be played at 7 p.m. starting on Thursday of each week and running through Friday, Saturday and Sunday till the end of the league.

Evening matches are expected to increase stadium attendance. These are also convenient for those watching matches on television.

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