The Pro League, a new home-and-away competition which has effectively replaced the Champions Trophy and Hockey World League semi-final events, makes its eagerly-anticipated debut when World Cup holders Belgium face Spain in Valencia tomorrow.

Batra, scheduled to attend the match at the Estadio Betero alongside FIH chief executive Thierry Weil, claimed the tournament will increase the number of hockey fans worldwide.

"I think it will take it to the next level now," the Indian official said.

"When your home team plays for six months you build-up a following. 

"I think the concept which has come is very important and you will see the results coming out. 

"Whether it’s broadcast, whether it’s digital or whether it’s sponsors you will see the results coming out in two-three years. 

"I won’t say the results will come overnight but the way I see this being developed is that there is going to be a multiple growth.

"That’s how I see it going."

Spain will face a tough task when they play Belgium, the reigning World Cup champions and Olympic silver medallist in the opening Pro League contest.

The two sides are joined by Australia, Argentina, Britain, Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Pakistan, whose participation in the event has been plunged into doubt in recent weeks, in the men's competition.

The women's tournament, which begins next weekend, also includes nine teams - Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Britain, China, Germany New Zealand, the Netherlands and the United States.

"The connect between the athletes and the fans is going to be much closer than it was before because when your team plays, it plays against eight different countries," said Batra.

"So you get much closer to your athletes and you come to know everyone much better. 

"That’s where the icons will be born and that’s what we need in hockey."

The FIH has claimed the tournament will raise the profile of the sport but it has not been universally popular.

Players have spoken out in recent months over the decision to axe the Champions Trophy, while teams have complained of the amount of travelling involved.

"I think that with the FIH Pro League coming in, it shows that hockey has moved in the right direction over the years and that right thought processes have been kept in place," the FIH President said.

"With this coming together, as I said earlier, you will see the results coming in the next two to three years. 

"Hockey, like other sports, will be able to support the countries that need assistance to come up."