New Delhi: Short of finances but desperate to participate in the upcoming Asian Championships, India's ice hockey team has sought crowd funding to make the trip to Kuwait and has also managed to get leading industrialist Anand Mahindra's support in the endeavour.
The team set up a website to seek funds to travel to Kuwait for the event and has found support.
"I've decided to support these passionate athletes. #SupportIceHockey.Your turn? Chak de barf pe!" tweeted Mahindra.
The Indian ice hockey team posted a message on their website, saying: "The Ice Hockey Championship Cup of Asia Div-1 begins in 2 weeks from now. The Indian Team doesn't have enough funds to participate. It will be a shame because in 2012 we hosted the Championship in Dehradun Indoor Ice Rink.
"Government only gives funds to the teams travelling for Asian Games or Olympics but not for an Asian Championship. But we as citizens can still help our national team by helping them financially to take part in the Championship Cup of Asia 2015," the message reads.
The minimalistic cost of going to the Championship is Rs. 12 lakh without the cost of international coach and cost of training.
"Friends of Ice Hockey Fraternity have already raised 5 lacs and also each player has personally contributed 20000. However, we are still short by 7 lacs," the website states.
The funds generated will be used for providing the team with training, accommodation, air fare, visa, insurance, team jersey and equipment.
"A total of 26 people will be participating in the tournament and our total out of pocket expense on the above heads is approximately Rs 20 lakh, so the more funds we raise, the more awareness we could spread about the game which is not only beneficial to the game but for the morale of the players. We are short of Rs. 7 lacs and aiming to raise Rs. 3.5 lacs and more by crowdfunding.
