The main sponsor, Micromax, who promised Rs 35.5 lakh in writing, backed out in the last moment, citing over-spending in the recently held five-match ODI cricket series between India and Sri Lanka as the reason.
But president of the Durand Football Tournament Society, Lt Gen V K Pillay is confident of pulling off the event successfully.
"We tried to rope in new sponsors but very few were interested. So, we were left with no other option but to conduct it on our own. But take my words, the Delhi area of the Armed forces are capable enough to conduct the tournament successfully," Lt Gen Pillay, who is also the General Commanding Officer of the Delhi Area, told reporters here today.
"Sponsors' interest depends on the popularity of the game, but this year the tournament will be conducted more beautifully and meticulously," he added.
Lack of sponsors has also forced the organisers of Asia's oldest football tournament to reduce the overall budget, which was a whopping Rs 1.54 crore last year. (MORE)