07 May,2025 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Ashwin Ferro
HMSL’s sponsor Mahesh Makhija
Less than a week after mid-day reported that the Hockey Mumbai Super League (HMSL) was resuming after a gap of two years without any sponsors, the organisers, Hockey Mumbai City (HMC), have been assured financial assistance. "A couple of days after the mid-day article, a former local hockey player-turned-businessman Mahesh Makhija got in touch with us and has kindly agreed to bear the total cost of the hockey turf [which amounts to Rs 80,000]. This is a huge relief for us as we can continue the tournament without too much financial strain," Dhananjay Mahadik, secretary of HMC, told mid-day on Tuesday.
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The eight-team HSML being played at the Dom Bosco High School turf in Matunga from May 1 to 11, carries a winner's prize purse of R1 lakh while the runners-up stand to gain Rs 50,000. Additional expenses include match officials fees (Rs 38,000 approximately) and administrative costs (Rs 25,000 approx) besides a cash award of Rs 1000 for every man of the match (19 matches).
Makhija, who owns QMS, a medical allied services company, is an ardent hockey lover. "Sport is a true community unifier and hockey, in particular, has brought joy to millions of Indians over the years. We are only happy to do our bit to help the game at the domestic level," said Makhija.
