Coca-Cola India announces torch bearers for the Olympic torch relay

Company Brief

Mumbai, March 24, 2008

Commemorating the spirit of Olympics, Coca-Cola India today announced six environment champions who will proudly run with the Olympic Torch in New Delhi on 17th April '08. The initiative is in line with The Coca-Cola Company being the global partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and is also the presenting partner of the Olympic Torch Relay. With 136 days to go for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Coca-Cola India's select group of Olympic Torchbearers would include Aamir Khan - India's most loved actor, Dr. Narayan G Hegde-President, BAIF Development Research Foundation, Dr. Kiran Bedi–noted officer in the Indian Police

Service (IPS) and founder Navjyoti foundation, Ravi Singh-Secretary General & CEO, World Wildlife Fund India and Atul Singh, President & CEO, Coca-Cola India. In-addition, Y. Subhash Chandra Reddy - environment champion working at the grass root level would also be a part of this select group of Olympic Torch bearers.

According to Venkatesh Kini, VP- Marketing, Coca-Cola India, said, "Coca-Cola has been associated with the Olympic Games since 1928. What makes the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games even more special is the cause of the environment associated with the world's greatest sporting event. The torch bearers carrying the Olympic flame on behalf of Coca-Cola India will help in raising environmental awareness and encourage others to become involved in this movement. Their proposed participation in the Olympic Torch Relay is another way for Coca-Cola to share the optimism we have for our planet and truly recognize those who are making a difference to improve the environment."

All the six torchbearers from diverse fields like Cinema, Government, Corporate house, NGO, Science and grassroots have been selected by Coca-Cola. The criteria of selection involved short-listing luminaries, who besides having excelled in their respective fields should have also demonstrated commitment to the cause of environment stewardship.

According to India's most loved actor and Coca-Cola brand ambassador, Aamir Khan, "I am delighted to be a part of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Olympic Torch Relay. This is a rare privilege and an absolute honor. What makes this special is that it gives me the opportunity to be associated with the world's greatest sporting event and at the same time to raise awareness about the cause of the environment. On behalf of Coca-Cola, I am delighted to announce the roll out of the company's latest environment awareness initiative. The country wide program includes organizing painting competitions in schools on the theme "The Need To Protect the Environment". The initiative would involve thousands of students across India."

For further information, please contact:

Reshma Nandy

Mob: +09810412458

e-mail: rnandy@perfectrelations.com