Airtel roped in as I-League's title sponsor

New Delhi: Just a day before its start, the I-League got its title sponsor with the Airtel being roped in for the 2013-14 edition of the tournament.

All India Football Federation and its commercial partner IMG-Reliance have been getting flak from several quarters for not finding a sponsor for the I-League and they got one at the last minute in telecom major Airtel.

AIFF President Praful Patel welcomed the Telecom giants as the new Sponsor.

"I welcome Airtel as the new Title Sponsor of the I-League. All India Football Federation stays committed for the upliftment of the sport in the Country and we hope this marks the beginning of a new and long relationship," he said.

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "The deal between AIFF and Airtel proves there are many takers for Indian Football. I welcome them to the I-League."

IMG-Reliance COO Ashu Jindal said, "I'm happy to have Airtel as the Title Sponsor. This is a hugely motivating step for Indian Football."

I-League CEO Sunando Dhar said, "This is very inspiring. Having Airtel as the Title Sponsor would provide the right impetus for the I-League."

I-League begins on Saturday with defending champions Churchill Brother opening their campaign against Salgaocar at Mapusa, Goa while Mohammedan Sporting Club take on Pune FC in Kolkata and Mumbai FC play Sporting Clube de Goa in Pune.