New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) Bank of Baroda on Monday became the first Indian entity to sign up as a "National Supporter" for the football U-17 World Cup, to be hosted by the country next year.
All India Football Federation President Praful Patel, who is also the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), said: "We are pleased to welcome Bank of Baroda as the first Indian company that will be associated with the U-17 World Cup India 2017."
"As an organisation that has a long affiliation with football, this company has been an active supporter of the game for many years and shares our enthusiasm to develop and strengthen football in India."
Patel said, "As president of the AIFF, I am committed to ensuring that football development in India gets the support it deserves, and I believe that this new partnership with Bank of Baroda is a very concrete step in the right direction to continue the growth that the sport has had in India."
Tournament Director Javier Ceppi said: "This is a landmark event in Indian sport. As the first ever FIFA tournament to be hosted in India and with India as one of the participating teams, it is a unique opportunity to be partners in making football history in this country."
"By joining in at this early stage, Bank of Baroda will have the added advantage of ten months of exposure in the build-up to the U-17 World Cup."
With the signing of the agreement, Bank of Baroda claimed the first of six "National Supporter" slots for the tournament, to be held from October 6 to 28, 2017.
"We are highly motivated to promote football across the country and to inspire a new generation of youngsters. Partnering with the U-17 World Cup India 2017 was a logical choice for us, as there will be no bigger sporting event in the country next year," Bank of Baroda General Manager (Marketing, Corporate Communications and WMS Rakesh Kumar Bhatia said.
"It is truly an Indian crusade to make sure that this tournament succeeds and engages our complete population," he said.
Bhatia said, "We are sure that our strong banking network across the nation will help to make that happen and we are excited about becoming the first National Supporter for the event."
