MUMBAI: Telecommunications major Bharti Airtel has become the associate sponsor of Hockey India League (HIL), the franchise-based hockey league formed on the lines of cash-rich IPL.

Airtel, which is heavily invested in sports, has for the first time associated with Hockey. The telecom brand is the title sponsor of domestic and international cricket matches played in India. Apart from Cricket, Airtel is also the title sponsor of Indian Grand Prix.

HIL chairman Dr. Narinder Batra said, "We welcome Bharti Airtel for joining Hero Hockey India League and being part of this historical event. Their association will boost Indian hockey and will take the sport to a new level."

Hero MotoCorp is the title sponsor of HIL.

In the inaugural season of the Hero Hockey India League, Jaypee Punjab Warriors will face Delhi Waveriders on 14 January at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.