MUMBAI: Bank of Baroda became the first Indian company to sign up as a national supporter for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, the first FIFA Event to be hosted in the Subcontinent ever in the history of the game. As the excitement continues to grow for the tournament next year, India is bracing to ties its laces and have a good run in the World Cup.

All India Football Federation president and chairman of the local organising committee Praful Patel said, “As an organisation that has a long affiliation with sports, Bank of Baroda shares our enthusiasm to develop and strengthen football in India. As president of the AIFF, I am committed to ensuring that football development in India gets the support it deserves."

Tournament Director Javier Ceppi was not surprised by the keen interest in the National Supporter slots. "This is a landmark event in Indian sport. It is the first ever FIFA tournament to be hosted by India, with the country taking part in it. This is a unique opportunity to be partners in making football history in this country. Joining in at this early stage, Bank of Baroda will have the added advantage of ten months of exposure with the FIFA U-17 World Cup."

Increasing awareness and participation in sports has become a key focus for the leading state-owned bank which positions itself as India’s International Bank.

“We are highly motivated to promote football across the country and to inspire a new generation of youngsters. Partnering with the FIFA U-17 World Cup India, 2017 was a logical choice for us, as there is no bigger sporting event that the country will see next year. It is truly an Indian crusade to make sure that this tournament succeeds and engages our complete population. We are sure that our strong banking network across the nation will help to make that happen and we are excited about becoming the first National Supporter for the Event,” said Bank of Baroda general manager (marketing, corporate communications & WMS) Rakesh Kumar Bhatia.

With the signature of the agreement, Bank of Baroda has thus become the first of the six National Supporters that the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 can have. The Tournament will be held from October 6th to 28th, 2017.