A financial windfall awaits the world's leading field hockey stars when they play in a new Indian tournament next month on the lines of cricket's popular Indian Premier League. The Hockey India League (HIL), sanctioned by the sport's world governing
body, will have the top stars turn out for five franchised-based teams from January 17-February 17, organisers said on Sunday. Indian captain Sardar Singh was picked up by the Delhi Wave Riders franchise for an annual salary of $78,000 at an auction that began in New Delhi on Sunday and was expected to continue late into the night.
Moritz Fuerste, named the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) player of the year for 2012 after helping Germany win two successive Olympic gold medals in Beijing and London, went to Ranchi Rhinos for $75,000.