Ranchi, 25 October 2014: Hockey India League today announced Captain of India Cricket Team, MS Dhoni as the new franchisee owner for the Ranchi team. Coining the team Ranchi Rays, MS Dhoni was himself present for the announcement conference held in Ranchi today and Dr. Narinder Batra, Chairman, Hockey India League.

Speaking on the announcement, Hero Hockey India League Chairman Dr. Narinder Batra said, “This is a great moment for Hockey India League to have MS Dhoni on board as a franchisee owner of the world’s most prominent hockey league. I am happy by the kind of support that the League is garnering from all quarters. This development also shows the advancement of the HHIL where reputed corporate and sports promoters are coming together to take Indian hockey at a new level altogether.”

Speaking on owning the Ranchi Franchise of HHIL, MS Dhoni said, “Today I am very happy to own the franchisee of Ranchi Team in the Hockey India League. I was always interested to do something for this region and I want to see also that hockey should be uplifted from the grassroot level.

Also, Mr. Arun Pandey, CMD, Rhiti Sports added, “MS Dhoni has supported every sport and hockey is another sport which is close to Mahi’s heart. When this opportunity came, Mahi quickly accepted it as he always wants to do something for his state and country. This is an indeed way to uplift hockey in his state which is our national game. We have long term plans to uplift hockey at grassroot level.”

Subsequent to his association with ISL, MS Dhoni continues his support towards other sports beyond being the captain of the Indian Cricket team will now co-own the Ranchi team from this edition of the Hockey India League.