The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today announced its partnership with Edelweiss Financial Services Limited as sponsor of the Indian contingent for 2018 Commonwealth Games, the 2018 Asian Games and the 2020 Olympic Games, besides the National Games 2018 and 2019.
IOA also announced Raymond as its official styling partner and Shiv Naresh Sports as its official sports apparel partner for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Gold Coast from April 4 to 15, 2018.
The official ceremonial attire and sports apparel of the athletes was revealed by Minster of Youth Affairs and Sports Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, President IOA Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra and Secretary General IOA Mr. Rajeev Mehta.
Reaffirming this long-term partnership, Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance, has offered a life Insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for all athletes representing India at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Edelweiss had in 2016 announced a Rs. 1 crore cover for athletes representing India at the Rio Olympics.
The announcement was made in the presence of international athletes, including H S Prannoy (Badminton) Mehuli Ghosh (Shooting), Anuraj Singh (Shooting), Manpreet Singh (Captain, Indian Men's Hockey Team), Rani Rampal (Captain, Indian Women Hockey Team), Rupinder Pal Singh (Hockey), Savita Punia (Hockey), Dipa Karmakar (Gymnastics), Mohd Bobby (Gymnastics), Gaurav Kumar (Gymnastics) and Pranita Das (Gymnastics).
Batra said "It brings me great delight to announce Indian Olympic Association's partnership with Edelweiss Group who shares our vision to make India a sporting super power. The Commonwealth Games will set the tone for an extremely crucial second half of the Olympic Cycle with major tournaments namely the Asian Games and other Olympic Qualifiers and their association comes at a vital juncture for Indian sports."
He added, "It is instrumental to have private sectors come forward to promote Indian sports and I am sure this new partnership will be a boon for our elite athletes preparing for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. IOA is committed to ushering a new era in Indian sports and this association will undoubtedly help create desired results. I am also happy to announce a first-of-its-kind association with Raymond's as official styling partner and Shiv Naresh as official apparel partner for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. We at IOA wish to seek their continued support for future major events too."
Mehta said, "Earlier, sponsors were associated only on the basis of select Games. But long-term planning and transformation of Olympic governance can only be achieved with long-term partnership. The new partners are making valuable contribution to the Olympic movement in India. Our athletes are direct beneficiaries of the support extended by our partners."
He added, "More private sector players need to come forward to support eminent organisations such as the Indian Olympic Association and help co-create and develop a comprehensive sports framework," said Mr. Rashesh Shah, Chairman & CEO, Edelweiss Group and President FICCI. He added, "In order to be at part with our global peers, India needs a sports ecosystem, one which has both public and private partnerships across education, business, development, jobs, and more. Most importantly an ecosystem that will go a long way in securing our athletes future by offering more specialist jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, thereby encouraging athletes to be unlimited in their aspirations and confidently come forward and play sports.
Commenting on Raymond's association with the IOA, Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, Raymond Limited, said, "It is a matter of honour for Raymond to associate with the Indian Olympic Association as the Official Style Partner to dress up the Indian contingent for 21st Commonwealth Games. As Indian athletes raise the bar of excellence in the international sports arena, Raymond is proud to dress them in ensemble that exude confidence and the true spirit of Indian sportsmanship. With our nationwide network of stores and our ability to turn around the project for the Indian contingent in the location of their preference has been a proud achievement for us."
Shiv P Singh, Managing Director, Shiv Naresh Sports Private Ltd., said, "We are proud to be official sports apparel partner of Indian contingent for Commonwealth Games 2018. We at Shiv Naresh Sports established in 1987 have been making quality garments and expanding our business over the years and today Shiv Naresh has been one of the most reputative brand in the sports apparel World. We are thankful to Indian Olympic Association for giving this opportunity and we wish contingent to come back with more medals this time".
Indian Olympic Association would be sending a contingent of 227 athletes to 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
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