The Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has been named presenting partner for hockey's Hero Honda FIH World Cup, to be held in March 2010. The agreement was arranged between the International Hockey Federation and Hockey India.

International Hockey Federation president, Leandro Negre, said: “I take great pleasure in welcoming Steel Authority of India to our global hockey family in what is another landmark and globally important sponsorship for the sport. This event is of immense significance for Indian hockey and indeed for the game worldwide. We have placed in the tournament in India with the sincere hope that it will be a catalyst for the rejuvenation of the game here.

"In SAIL, hockey has a partner who shares that vision, a partner who is one of the world leaders in their field yet proudly Indian and a partner who respects this great sport we love and wants to see it come back strong. As the SAIL chairman remarked to me “Hockey is coming home.”

Mr SK Roongta, SAIL chairman, added: “At SAIL, we are very pleased to be associated with the apex event in international hockey. SAIL has a significant legacy in hockey and actually owns and operates one of the country’s premier playing and training facilities which is equipped with astroturf, at its Rourkela Steel Plant.

“SAIL is also justifiably proud that Michael Kindo, one of the stars of the Indian team which won the Hockey World Cup in 1974, was on its rolls. Hockey is the national sport of India and as a proudly patriotic and national company, we feel that partnership with this premier global event is perfect articulation of our values and global outlook and standards."