Team India skipper MS Dhoni, the co-owner of Ranchi Rays, is likely to attend the third edition of Hockey India league’s (HIl) first match here on January 26. Sources from the franchise maintained Dhoni’s officials have confirmed his visit to his home town for the hockey tourney.
“Presently, he is in Australia, busy with preparations for the upcoming World Cup. However, his officials have confirmed us about his presence at the inaugural match in the city. We hope the information is true as he co-owns the franchise,” said a member of Ranchi Rays on Friday. However, Hockey India and Hockey Jharkhand members did not confirm Dhoni’s schedule. Dhoni had last accompanied the team around January 15 when Ashley Jackson was declared the new captain.
Chief Minister Raghubar Das will be unveiling the match at Astroturf Hockey Stadium along with Urban Development Minister CP Singh. Franchise’s another co-owner Sahara Parivar’s officers will also be attending the ceremony. Corporate Communication Head Abhijit Sarkar of the company is said to be attending on behalf of his colleagues.
Since five league matches are scheduled at the Astroturf Hockey stadium, Hockey India and Hockey Jharkhand members have not arranged special entertainment events. “Fireworks will be lightened whenever a team scores a goal. Our DJ from Bhubaneswar where the league commenced on Thursday will be reaching by today evening. We have not yet planned specific list of songs,” a Hockey India staff said.
The promo of Ranchi Rays will be unveiled on January 26. Two videos have been recorded for the purpose. MS Dhoni’s video was shot in New Delhi while the promo of players was shot in Mumbai. The home team will be playing against Delhi Wave Riders, Dabang Mumbai, Kalinga lancers, Uttar Pradesh Wizards and Jaypee Punjab Warriors here on January 26, 28, February 6, 8 and 10.
In order to avoid technical glitches like last edition, Hockey Jharkhand is testing the four High Mast lighting systems for around one hour in the evening these days. last year, lights of a High Mast lighting pole went off during the match which resulted in delaying the match.
More than a dozen of electricians are repairing the poles. “If there is a sudden defect in the generator during the match, we cannot guarantee about the technical flop like the second HIl,” said an electrician.
Tickets for the first match are comparatively cheaper this year. “Tickets near the golf box are sold at Rs50. Gallery tickets are available in Rs100. VIP tickets are being sold at Rs120 and 200. The response is more for Rs50 and Rs100 tickets at the stadium counter. But, the online booking is poor,” said a ticket seller of the franchise. The first match tickets will be sold till Monday noon.
Notably, the inaugural match of HIl 3 was held between Ranchi Rays and Kalinga lancers at Bhubaneswar wherein the former was defeated by three goals. Rays will play their second match against Dabang Mumbai on January 24. At home ground, they will play their third match on January 26.