New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Hockey India (HI) Friday announced a sponsorship tie-up for the 2010 World Cup with the Steel Authority of India (SAIL).

The Hero Honda FIH World Cup will be hosted by India in March 2010.

FIH chief Leandro Negre, Union Minister for Steel Virbhadra Singh and junior minister A. Sai Prathap were present during the occasion.

Virbhadra Singh said it was a great pride for India to be hosting the hockey World Cup in 2010 and SAIL to be the 'presenting partner' of the event.

'I urge other corporate enterprises to come forward to support and promote sporting events as well as sportspersons,' he said.

FIH president Leandro Negre said the event is of immense significance for Indian hockey and for the game worldwide.

'We hope that the World Cup will be a catalyst for the rejuvenation of the game here.'

Hockey India president A.K. Mattoo, said Indian hockey is moving in right direction.

'We hope that hockey will be soon back as the pride of our sport.'