New Delhi, July 27 - Two-wheeler major Hero Honda will be the title sponsors of the hockey World Cup to be hosted here in March next year.

International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Lendro Negre and managing director and CEO of Hero Honda Motors Ltd Pawan Munjal signed a deal at an impressive ceremony attended by the members of the 1975 World Cup winning Indian team.

'For the global development of hockey, it is important that Indian hockey should come up and play to its true potential,' said Negre.

'The FIH hopes that hosting the 2010 World Cup will give a tremendous boost to Indian hockey. I believe that the support of Hero Honda - which is one of the most visible brands committed to the promotion of sports in India - will greatly contribute not only to the success of the World Cup, but also to the growth of hockey in the country,' he said.

Munjal said hockey is still followed passionetly in India.