WSH: Chennai Sports Organisers to own Chennai Cheetahs

Chennai Sports Organisers Pvt Ltd (CSO) has been named the franchise owner of the Chennai team in the multi-million dollar World Series Hockey (WSH) league to be played across various cities of the country starting next month.

The Chennai-based outfit will be called 'Chennai Cheetahs'.

"It is a matter of great pride to own a franchise in the prestigious World Series Hockey. Chennai has always had a strong sports culture and we are committed to strengthen the talent pool of hockey players," CSO Director L T Nanwani said.

"India has a strong hockey legacy and we will strive towards bringing the glory back. This is the first step for CSO and in the near future, we will expand our sports business by investing in multiple sports to create greater local connect with the fans," he added.

Nanwani is also the director and promoter of Jubilee Granites, a leading mining company in South India that exclusively owns products like 'Black' and 'Black Galaxy' granite.

Announcing the first franchise owner of the league, Yannick Colaco, chief operating officer of Nimbus Sport, one of the promoters of the event along with Indian Hockey Federation, said, "WSH has been very selective in identifying franchise owners, who are passionate about hockey and share the common vision of creating a strong and viable ecosystem for the sport in India."

The WSH, to be held from December 17 to January 22, will involve 200 leading players from India and abroad who will showcase their talent in 61 matches.

It will be a multi-city franchise-based league with players being allocated to the teams based on the internationally accepted 'draft' system.

The inaugural edition of WSH will comprise eight teams out of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Punjab, Ranchi and Rourkela.