Western Union Financial Services Inc., a money transfer company, announced that it would sponsor two Premier Hockey League teams -- Sher-e-Jalandhar and Chandigarh Dynamos -- for three years.

Sher-e-Jalandhar are currently leading Tier I of the league with eight points while Chandigarh Dynamos are at the top of Tier II with 15 points from five matches played and won so far.

"Through this sponsorship of the Punjab hockey teams, we endeavour to create awareness and encourage the game among the Indians all over the country and lift the profile of the Punjabis in the game to even greater heights," Rajiv Garodia, regional marketing manager, South Asia, Western Union Financial Services, said.

Sher-e-Jalandhar captain and Indian forward Gagan Ajit Singh said, "We play with complete commitment and for the love of the game. If companies come forward and support the game in terms of sponsorship, it works as additional encouragement.

"A game attracting sponsorship also symbolises its growing popularity and helps a lot in attracting fresh talent to the sport," Gagan Ajit was quoted as saying in a statement.

Western Union is soon going to launch a national-level marketing campaign to promote the two teams. This will include a multimedia campaign comprising press, television and merchandising with special focus on Punjab, the statement said.