World Series Hockey organisers unveil prize money plan

Organisers of the inaugural World Series Hockey event have confirmed that the upcoming tournament will set a new benchmark for prize money at a hockey competition.

A total prize money pot of US$2 million will be on offer for the event, which will take place in India from 15th December until 22nd January. Asian multimedia company Nimbus Communications is investing US$57 million in the event through its broadcast subsidiary, Nimbus Sport, which co-owns the eight-team competition with the Indian Hockey Federation.

The winning team will take home $800,000 while the runners-up will collect $400,000. The losing semi-finalists will be awarded $200,000 each. A number of other prizes will be awarded for individual performances, with the tournament's most valuable player handed $200,000. All World Series Hockey franchises have committed to sharing a minimum of 50% of their team winnings with the players.

Nimbus Sport Chief Operating Officer Yannick Colaco called the prize money structure "a definite game-changer for hockey players in India and across the world", adding "World Series Hockey has ensured that the time for hockey players to take centre stage is finally here. By offering the highest prize money and creating an environment where players compete with the best in the world, youngsters can finally look at playing hockey as a viable profession."

However, the tournament has been a controversial addition to the calendar as it is not sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The global governing body, which recognises Hockey India as the sole administration for hockey in India, has already warned of suspensions to players who will participate in the Series.

Last week, Hockey India Secretary General Narinder Batra told PTI "our stand is clear as we don't recognise World Series Hockey as it doesn't have FIH sanctioning."

Batra added "we prefer to call it World Senior Citizens Hockey instead of World Series Hockey as only former players can participate in it. We have made it clear that the national camp for the Olympic qualifiers will be in full swing during the Series and any player wanting to play in the tournament will have to sit out of the camp as well as the national squad. They will have to choose between country or World Series Hockey."

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