MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Hero Hockey India League, has lined up a comprehensive clutch of global syndication partners that are showcasing the tournament in over 83 territories worldwide.

Some of the leading names in the world of sports broadcasting like Fox Sports from Australia, Sky Sports from New Zealand, Ten Sports in Pakistan and South East Asia region are showcasing live coverage of HIL in respective territories.

Incidentally, Life OK, the second general entertainment channel from Star India, will air the tournament in UK and Europe. In South Africa, Life OK will share the rights on non-exclusive basis with pan-African sports network Supersport.

Similarly, in the Middle East North Africa (Mena) region Ten Sports and OSN will telecast the tournament since both are non-exclusive broadcast rights holder.

Asia focused sports network One World Sport will broadcast the tournament in USA and Canada.

Speaking on the occasion, ESPN Software India MD Aloke Malik said, ?These partnerships reinforce our commitment to set new benchmarks in the distribution of Hero Hockey India League. We look forward to working closely with all our partners and serve hockey fans all over the world with some mouth-watering high quality content.?

In India, the inaugural edition of the league is being broadcast with Hindi commentary on Star Sports while Star Cricket is showcasing select matches of the league in English. Live streaming of all the matches is also available on YouTube.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) sanctioned HIL has players from as many as 11 countries. The first edition has witnessed participation from 5 teams namely Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Delhi Waveriders, Mumbai Magicians and Ranchi Rhinos.

List of syndication partners:
Sky Sports - New Zealand
Fox Sports - Australia and South East Asia (last 4 matches only)
Ten Sports - Pakistan, South East Asia, and Middle East North Africa
OSN - Middle East North Africa (non-Exclusive)
Supersport - South Africa (non-exclusive)
One World Sport - USA, Canada
Life OK - UK, Europe and South Africa

MUMBAI: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is imminently expected to announce a new four-year broadcast deal in India, from 2011-2014.

The Federation has invited offers for its inventory of events, which include World Cups, Champions Trophies and the new World League which inaugurates in 2013. 

The deal will begin with India?s participation in the Champions Challenge, which takes place in Johannesburg from 26 November ? 4 December 2011.

FIH head of marketing and communications Steven Morris commented, "We expect to announce a groundbreaking deal as we have received some very good offers and we will shortly conclude one of them."

Taj Television currently holds the rights.