New Delhi: I-League is suppose to kick-off from Sunday and AIFF have managed to get Airtel as the new title sponsor.
All India Football Federation and its commercial partner IMG-Reliance have struggled to find a sponsor for the I-League and they got one at the last minute in the form of Airtel.
AIFF President Praful Patel looked to be more than relieved and happy to be associated with telecom major Airtel and has welcomed Airtel as the title sponsor of the I-League for this edition which kicks off with the match between defending champions Churchill Brother and Salgaocar at Mapusa, Goa.
The second match will see Mohammedan Sporting Club take on Pune FC in Kolkata and Mumbai FC up against Sporting Clube de Goa in Pune on the same day.
These can be good signs for Indian sports as sponsors like Airtel are coming forward to show their support for sports other than cricket.
Just a few days back Airtel did not renew their contract with the BCCI.
AIFF is hopeful of the fact that their relationship with the title sponsors can be a good and long lasting one which can serve Indian football for the times to come.
IMG-Reliance COO Ashu Jindal also seemed to be happy and he reckons this can be a hugely motivating step for Indian Football.
I-League CEO Sunando Dhar thought this is to be very inspiring as he thinks it would provide the right impetus for the I-League.