Financial services conglomerate Edelweiss Group has been named the principal partner of the Indian Olympic Association for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Edelweiss Group, an Indian company, announced that it would provide life insurance cover of Rs. one crore (€133,000/$150,000) for all Indian athletes at the Games. Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance, the group’s life insurance joint venture, will cover the sum.
The IOA also confirmed that Bollywood star Salman Khan will serve as a brand ambassador for the country’s athletes at the Games. It will mark the first time a Bollywood figure has taken on this role.
“His association will not only attract sports lovers but even excite the players to do well in the Olympics,” Narayana Ramachandran, IOA president, said. “We are sure our association with Salman Khan will go a long way.”
In addition, Chinese sports apparel and equipment company Li-Ning has been named the IOA’s apparel partner for this summer’s Games, which take place from August 5-21.
Among the athletes present at the announcement of the partnerships were boxer MC Mary Kom (pictured), as well as Sardar Singh and Ritu Rani, captains of India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams, respectively.