Mumbai, Jan 12 (IANS): Hockey India League (HIL) franchise Dabang Mumbai has joined hands with Hockey Australia to promote the sport at the grassroots level in the city with a programme named ‘Hookin2Hockey, it was announced on Thursday.

"‘Hookin2Hockey' will be a 6-day programme organised at Mahindra Hockey Stadium from January 15-20, 2017 before the start of the fifth edition of the HIL. The programme will witness participation of over 500 boys and girls from 20 schools along with 40 school coaches," a release from Dabang Mumbai said.

"Experts from Hockey Australia including James Liggins, Participation Manager; Ben Hartung, General Manager, Operations will be driving these special sessions. Hockey Australia will be providing all the required equipment for the participants at the session."

Commenting on this initiative, Dabang Mumbai CEO Saumya Khaitan said: "These are exciting days for the sport. Team India's victory at the Junior Hockey World Cup 2016 has given a new push to the sport amongst young players. 

"As a franchise that believes in the power of the sport, we are thrilled to be associated with Hockey Australia to create an introductory programme for children in the city. 

"We also plan to put in place a steady stream of expert guidance and coaching to talented youngsters in the city and support the eight-time Olympic Champions continued vigour to reclaim world supremacy in the sport."

The programme ‘Hookin2Hockey' will cover modules like ‘Coach the coaches sessions', ‘Training sessions for juniors (12-16 years), ‘Grassroot programme for U-12' which will be followed by a ‘Round robin tournament' on the last day.