MUMBAI: Media house Dainik Bhaskar has entered into a strategic alliance with Bridgestone World Series Hockey.

In addition, the media behemoth has signed on as the global partner for Bhopal Badshahs.

DB Corp director Girish Agarwal said “We are thrilled to partner the inaugural Bridgestone World Series Hockey. We see a natural strategic fit in terms of our markets and strong hockey consumption belts in India, Besides, it is also an emotional decision for us to be associated with Bhopal Badshahs as hockey has a strong legacy in this part of India. We plan to leverage this alliance and work with WSH in creating multiple outreach programs in schools and colleges to give the much needed fillip to the sport at the grass root level.”

Nimbus Sport COO Yannick Colaco said, “We are delighted to welcome one of India’s largest media group, Dainik Bhaskar, as a strong partner for the landmark Bridgestone World Series Hockey. With passionate commitment and tremendous involvement, Dainik Bhaskar will be playing a critical role in promoting and developing the sport in the Hindi heartland. It is a definite win-win partnership.”

The Bridgestone World Series Hockey will be held from 29 February - 2 April 2012, and will involve 200 players -- Indian and international -- who will showcase their talent in 59 matches and vie for the biggest prize money hockey tournament in the world.

The eight venues for the inaugural edition of the league are Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Jalandhar, Mumbai and Pune. Chandigarh Comets will face-off against Bhopal Badshahs in the first tie of the tournament on their home ground.