MUMBAI: After previously serving as the brand ambassador of the Indian hockey, actor Suniel Shetty has agreed to become the face of Indian professional hockey league, World Series Hockey, in which he also co-owns the Karnataka Lions franchise along with Sporting Ace, which is part of Zentrum Group.

The popular Bollywood action hero, a passionate sports buff, will do extensive promotions for the hockey championship which boasts of prize money of Rs 100 million. WSH will be held from 29 February to 2 April featuring 59 matches to be played between eight teams.

Shetty said it was a great opportunity to be part of this path-breaking event which could change the course of Indian sports.

The actor said, “World Series Hockey is an idea whose time has come. Hockey is the only sport that has brought glory to India on numerous occasions at the Olympics, and the time has come for us to recognise and support the sport through a world-class league featuring all the global champions.”

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.

Said Nimbus Sport COO Yannick Colaco, “We are thrilled to have Anna (Suniel Shetty) as the WSH brand ambassador. He is one of the few actor-celebrities committed to promoting sports and his fondness for hockey in particular is well known. We look forward to a win-win partnership and will launch an aggressive 360-degree consumer marketing campaign shortly.”

The eight WSH teams are Bhopal Badshahs, Chandigarh Comets, Chennai Cheetahs, Delhi Wizards, Karnataka Lions, Mumbai Marines, Pune Strykers and Sher-e-Punjab.

Nimbus and IHF, the organisers, are yet to announce the franchise owners for Bhopal Badshahs, Chandigarh Comets and Sher-e-Punjab.