Indian telecommunications company Aircel has signed on as the principal sponsor of Indian Super League football franchise Atlético de Kolkata.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Aircel’s logo will be present on the front of the team’s shirt and training kits.
Anupam Vasudev, chief marketing officer of Aircel, said: “Football is clearly kicking up a lot of buzz among young people. Passion, agility, energy and youthfulness are the attributes which define this sport, which are also a part of Aircel’s DNA – being one of the young fastest growing telecom players in India.
“We are pleased to associate ourselves with Atlético de Kolkata which is the biggest team of the ISL with a large dedicated region spanning eastern and central India and Bangladesh. With players, coach, technical and brand integration with La Liga champions, Atlético de Madrid, we hope Atlético de Kolkata will be the frontrunner to win the first edition of the ISL.”
The inaugural season of the ISL is scheduled to kick-off on October 12, with the competition designed to boost the development of football in India.
Atlético de Kolkata will compete against franchises in Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Kochi, Mumbai and Pune. Former Spain international, and Liverpool and Atlético Madrid star Luis Garcia (pictured), has signed as Kolkata’s marquee player.