Mumbai: Bollywood star Suniel Shetty has been appointed as the ‘Brand Ambassador’ for World Series Hockey, the Rs 10-crore prize money hockey tournament, starting from February 29, 2012. The popular Bollywood action hero is a passionate sports-buff will do extensive promotions for the most-awaited landmark hockey championship.

Shetty said it was a great opportunity to be part of this path-breaking event which could change the course of Indian sports. The ace actor said, “World Series Hockey is an idea whose time has come. Hockey is the only sport that has brought glory to India on numerous occasions at the Olympics, and the time has come for us to recognize and support the sport through a world-class league featuring all the global champions.”

Further, Shetty added, “As a passionate hockey fan, it doesn’t get better than becoming the brand ambassador and spreading awareness about the biggest hockey tournament in the world. WSH is truly a whole new ball game and I’m delighted to be a part of it.”

On the occasion of this proud association, Yannick Colaco, COO Nimbus Sport, said, “We are thrilled to have Anna (Suniel Shetty) as the WSH Brand Ambassador. He is one of the few actor-celebrities committed to promoting sports and his fondness for hockey in particular is well known. We look forward to a win-win partnership and will launch an aggressive 360-degree consumer marketing campaign shortly.”

The WSH will be held from February 29 to April 2, 2012, and will involve 200 leading players -- Indian and international -- who will showcase their talent in 59 matches and vie for the biggest prize money hockey tournament in the world.

The 8 venues for the inaugural edition of the league are Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Jalandhar, Mumbai and Pune.

Chandigarh Comets will face-off against Bhopal Badshahs in the first tie of the tournament on their home ground.