HIL appoints Steve Catton as Competitions Director

New Delhi: Hockey India League (HIL) has appointed Steve Catton as Competitions Director for the six-team franchise-based event that is slated to be held from January 5 to February 3 next year.

Hockey India Secretary-General and HIL Chairman Narinder Batra said the appointment of Catton is an important step towards ensuring that the tournament turn out to be a quality event. "We are looking to draw from Steve`s rich experience as the European Hockey League Competitions Director to make Hockey India League a well-conducted event," he said. "Since Steve will work closely with a number of Indian technical officials, we are sure that Hockey India League will create a rich legacy.” "He was involved in establishing the English Hockey League back in 1989 and has been European Hockey and Euro Hockey League Competitions Director from 2005-11. With that kind of experience, Steve can ensure HIL`s inaugural year is memorable," Batra added. Catton said he was very excited about establishing HIL as the definitive league event. "There is a terrific opportunity for HIL to become the most sought-after hockey event for players, officials and the entire hockey fraternity. I`m a delighted to join the HIL team at this important time and be able to build on the enthusiasm and hard work that has already been done," he said. Catton is an EHF and FIH Tournament Director, attending many events over recent years in this capacity. He has also been Competitions and Events Manager of the Hockey Association (now England Hockey), Director of Sport and Recreation at Sheffield Hallam University and the Chief Executive of the English Basketball Association. Most recently, he worked as a part of the hockey technical operations team at the London 2012 Olympic Games. PTI