Asia

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has awarded the sponsorship rights to the national team for the period spanning January 1, 2014 through March 2017 to Star India – a move that further strengthens the media group’s presence in Indian cricket.

The Sports Authority of Thailand and automotive manufacturer Honda have signed up as presenting sponsors for the Asian Tour’s King’s Cup golf tournament.

Asset management company Amundi has agreed a deal to become a premier partner of the Hong Kong Open, the third tournament on the 2014 European Tour golf calendar.

Indian private banking group Yes Bank has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the Hockey India League ahead of its 2014 season.

Fifa marketing director Thierry Weil expects brands from five sectors to take up the majority of the federation’s new Regional Supporter sponsorships: insurance, telecommunications, railways/ground transportation, logistics and real estate.

Tencent has signed an eight-year deal to become the exclusive internet outlet of the Chinese Olympic Committee at major international sports events.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has significantly reduced the base price in its search for a new main sponsor, but has denied the move is undervaluing the Indian national team brand.

Singapore-headquartered OCBC Bank has been announced as the premier founding partner of the Singapore Sports Hub development in a 15-year deal.

Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) has agreed a deal to become an official partner of the Chinese Basketball Association’s Professional League club competition from the 2013-14 season through to the 2016-17 campaign.

English Premier League football club Manchester United has signed a three-year regional partnership in South East Asia with consumer goods giant Unilever.

Chinese automotive firm Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle has announced it is to work with sports marketing and events company OC Sport to launch a Chinese team in the 2014-15 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race international sailing event.

North America’s National Basketball Association has agreed a partnership deal with South Korean technology company Samsung.

Sri Lankan menswear brand Hameedia has been appointed as the official formal clothing sponsor of Sri Lanka’s national cricket team.

ESPN Software India has agreed a deal for its Star Sports website to sponsor the McLaren Mercedes Formula One team for this weekend’s Indian Grand Prix.

Japanese agricultural co-operatives group ZEN-NOH has been unveiled as the title sponsor for the International Table Tennis Federation’s 2014 World Team Championships in Tokyo.

Electronics company Canon has joined the sponsorship roster for the 2013 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.