New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS): The two-year-long journey of the new Hockey World League culminates with the eight-team World League Final which gets underway at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Friday.

The trophy to be awarded to the Hockey World League winner was unveiled here in the presence of all the captains of the participating teams.

The tournament is the first hockey event of 2014, a year that will also feature the World Cup and Champions Trophy.

“We have been very successful in presenting our newest event to global hockey. We are really pleased that the World League has successfully introduced new nations to international hockey," said international hockey federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre.

"I hope that the first event of 2014 turns out to be a massive success. After all, it is held in India, a country famed for its love of hockey.”

At unveiling ceremony, Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra said: “The year 2014 is significant for Indian hockey on global and Asian levels. Besides the World Cup, Champions Trophy and the Commonwealth Games, we will also feature in the Asian Games. Therefore, the tune for our national team will be set when the World League Final begins here. The entire country is waiting for Sardar Singh and his team to deliver, which I hope they will.

“India should now get behind their team and support them in a big way. Fan support can really make a big difference to the team’s fortunes in a highly competitive tournament such as this.”

The Hockey World League is composed of four rounds and is played over two years. The schedule alternately coincides with the build-up to the World Cup and Olympics, providing more than half of the entry tickets for both.