Chennai Open, India's only ATP tournament, is now Aircel Chennai Open

Company Brief

Chennai, August 04, 2009

Come January, tennis enthusiasts and ardent fans of the country can once again look forward to the biggest sporting festival as Aircel Chennai Open –India’s only ATP World Tour tennis tournament renews its romance with the city and the crowds. Backed by the tremendous support of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) under the aegis of All India Tennis Association (AITA), the contract for Chennai Open has been extended for two years (2010-11). The tournament which has built a strong legacy for being a ‘Springboard of Champions’ is now in its 15th year and will be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium, Nungambakkam, Chennai from Jan 4-10, 2010. The event is owned by IMG, a global leader in tennis and is jointly organised by TNTA, AITA and IMG.

Expressing their gratitude Mr. Fernando Soler, Head –IMG Tennis Worldwide and Tournament Director, Chennai Open and Mr. Ravi Krishnan, Managing Director IMG South Asia & Sr Vice-President, IMG Worldwide said, “We are thrilled at the prospect of the tournament continuing in Chennai for the next two years. We welcome and appreciate the backing of our title sponsor, Aircel and are thankful to GOTN, TNTA, SDAT and AITA for their continued support to this mega event.”

Mr. M A Alagappan, President, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA), “The city of Chennai, for the past 13 years has been placed amongst the elite cities in the world due to the successful organization of Chennai Open. Owing to the growing popularity and recognition of the tournament and the support of the crowds, we have decided to extend the tournament for the next two years. Thanks to the vision and initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu, along with the support of our sponsors, the Chennai Open is not only promoting Tennis but also playing a significant role in the overall development of the State of Tamil Nadu.”

Mr. Karti P Chidambaram, Chairman Chennai Open Organising Committee & Vice President, AITA said, “We are happy to announce that Chennai Open will continue its legacy with the city as we renew our relationship. Tamil Nadu Tennis Association’s unrelenting support for this tournament since its inception has helped in identifying and nurturing talent among many youngsters thereby paving the way for future champions from India. We are very happy that AIRCEL, which is the largest mobile network in Tamil Nadu, has come forward to support the tournament as a Title Sponsor”.

Mr. Satyabrata Sahoo, IAS, Member Secretary SDAT “We are happy the Chennai Open is to continue to be held at the SDAT tennis Stadium in the forth coming years. This prestigious event has given the Sports loving public of Chennai an opportunity to watch an array of top International Tennis players in action for over a decade. The Government of Tamil Nadu has always encouraged such international events which add to the stature of the city and the State. We appreciate all the sponsors and Aircel, the new title sponsor for their contributions. We wish TNTA and IMG all the best for the successful conduct of the event.

Mr. K.V.P. Baskar, the Regional Head of Aircel, Chennai, believes the commitment of AIRCEL to sports is further strengthened through their association with CHENNAI OPEN. AIRCEL is the principal sponsor of the top IPL Cricket team – Chennai Super Kings and the top tennis event in Chennai. AIRCEL will also be running several consumer promotions during the event.

Mr. Rahul Saighal, Chief Marketing Officer, Aircel said, “The Chennai Open sponsorship will generate high salience for Aircel via the association with a premium and prestigious tournament. It will also be a great platform for engaging with consumers and allowing them to feel engaged with the tournament and players in various interesting manners”.

For further information, please contact:

Vaishnavi Corporate Communications

Suresh Rangarajan

Tel: 022-66568713

Email: suresh@vccpl.com