New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS): Hockey India League (HIL) franchise Delhi Waveriders Monday announced that actor John Abraham is its co-owner and will support the team from the sidelines in the second edition of the tournament starting Jan 25.

It was also made public that former India coach Cedric D'Souza will coach the team replacing Ajay Kumar Bansal.

Speaking on the occasion, John Abraham said: "This is a great opportunity for me to be associated with Hockey, our national sport. Waveriders has an excellent team led by Sardar Singh, I am sure this team will do well and be the super team of the HIL in 2014. My vision is to see Hockey in the forefront of all sports played in India once again and soon this vision is going to be a reality."

Waveriders CEO Amar Sinha said: “With John Abraham joining us to develop the franchise, we are all committed to fulfilling our vision of reigniting the love and passion for our national sport from the grass root level.”

John has reportedly bought a 13 percent stake in the franchise.

Introducing the new coach, former India captain and chief advisor Ajit Pal Singh said: “Cedric has coaching experience in domestic as well as international arena, and working experience with Indian as well as global players. His passion for fitness, technique and mental toughness makes him one of the most sought after coaches in Indian hockey."