In the ten matches played so far in the Coal India sponsored fourth edition of Hockey India league that got underway on January 18, 2016 in Bhubaneswar under the floodlit Kalinga Stadium, received rousing response from the hockey lovers at four venues of Bhubaneswar, lucknow, Chandigarh and Ranchi.
The State sector coal mining giant Coal India limited (CIl) is the title sponsor for the current year’s hockey league ‘Coal India-Hockey India league’ that has the sanction of FIH - the International body that governs hockey across the globe. A total of 34 matches are scheduled in the tournament involving six teams playing across six cities of the country. Extending over a month the hockey league would culminate in a finale on February 21, 2016 in Ranchi.
Coal India’s initiative in promoting Indian hockey should assumes special credence especially 2016 being an Olympics year. In the 31-day long ‘Coal India-Hockey India league’ national players representing the Indian team would be pitted against some of the best talent from overseas enabling them a chance to test their skills. In this edition of the tournament the accent is on the skills as a new rule introduced shall see two goals awarded for a field goal. With the Olympics looming close it will be a reality check and provides an outlet for the young talent to exhibit their flair.
CIl as a part of its Corporate Citizen role under its Coal India Sports Promotion Association (CISPA)
promotes various sporting activities within and outside the company. For sports promotion CIl sets aside 25 paise for every tonne of coal produced for CISPA fund.