MUMBAI: The two-wheeler giant Hero MotoCorp signed a multi-year deal with Hockey India to take title sponsorship of its ambitious franchise-based league, Hockey India League (HIL).

With this sponsorship, the tournament will be called Hero Hockey India League and underlines Hero MotoCorp's support for the game.

Hero MotoCorp was the Title Sponsor of the 2012 Olympics Qualifier Tournament - 'Hero FIH Road to London 2012', which was won by the Indian Men's team, thereby securing a berth in the 2012 Olympic Games. In 2010, Hero was also the Title Sponsor of the men's, FIH World Cup held in New Delhi.

Announcing this here today, Hockey India secretary and HIL chairman Narinder Batra said, "We are delighted to have Hero MotoCorp as the Title Sponsor of the Hockey India League. Hero Group and particularly its MD & CEO Pawan Munjal have always been great well-wishers of Indian Hockey and they have supported many initiatives of Hockey India in the past few years."

Hero MotoCorp MD & CEO Pawan Munjal said, "Hockey holds a special place in our hearts and we are pleased to partner with Hockey India League. I am sure that the initiative taken by Hockey India to start this league will go a long way in developing the game and bring back its old glory."

The inaugural Hero Hockey India League will be held from 14 January to 10 February 2013 involving 120 leading players. The HIL will feature a total of 34 matches.

ESPN Star Sports is the global broadcast rights partner for HIL till 2017.

The league will involve five teams Delhi Waveriders, Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Mumbai Magicians and Ranchi Rhinos will compete in the inaugural season at five venues - Delhi, Jalandhar, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ranchi respectively.