Former India coach Joseph Brasa has said that World Series Hockey (WSH) would boost the game in the country and nobody should punish players and coaches for taking part in the multi-dollar tournament starting 17 December.

Hockey India had threatened to punish national players who take part in the unsanctioned tournament, which is being jointly promoted by Indian Hockey Federation and Nimbus Sports.

Brasa, however, said that no national federation or the world body (FIH) can ban a player or a coach for participating in the $2 million league.

'I have the freedom to take part and I do not think any law supports any association or international federation to ban any player or coach because of their participation here. After all, this is not part and parcel of any qualification for Asian or Champions Trophy and the players do not represent their nation in this tournament. It is just a franchise competition,' Brasa said in Chennai yesterday.

'Therefore nobody should interfere in players, coaches and officials decision to figure in the series. Players, coaches and officials have freedom to participate in it without being punished for their action,' he said.

'This World Series Hockey is a real boost to hockey in India as much as all over the world. I am sure the players will adapt to the conditions, system and all other aspects quickly,' added the Spaniard, who coached India for nearly two years till last year's Guangzhou Asian Games.