Sahara India Group today renewed its ties with Indian hockey by signing a five-year deal to sponsor the national men's and women's teams, besides announcing a sponsorship amount that is 170% higher than the sum in the previous contract.

The group, which had earlier come forward to support the national sport in 2003, has assured whole-hearted support for the development of hockey.

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Besides the seniors, the group will also sponsor the junior teams.

The sponsorship is a part of Sahara's program to promote sports at ground level.

In addition to this, Sahara is also involved with Indian boxing, wrestling, archery, shooting, track & field and tennis, supporting a total of 95 sportsmen.

Speaking on the occasion, Hockey India's general secretary, Narendra Batra, said, "I take this opportunity to thank Sahara India Pariwar, specially 'Saharasri' Mr. Subrata Roy Sahara who is the greatest patron of sports, for coming forward and supporting the sport of Hockey. I am sure this association would encourage all the players to perform even better in the forthcoming International tournaments."

Sahara also joined hands with Federation Internationale De Hockey (FIH) in 2004, the World's apex Body for the sport, and became the fourth global partner of the Federation for a period of three years.

Sahara's association with hockey comes close on the heel of its decision decision to pull out of its sponsorship of the Indian cricket team and ownership of the Pune Warriors IPL franchise.

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