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New Delhi, March 17
Nike today announced the launch of its first grass root initiative for football in India - the Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) - India Final to be conducted in Kolkata from March 22nd to March 26th, 2006.
This initiative follows the recent announcement of Nike’s partnership with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). MUPC is an annual international Nike tournament conducted in association with Manchester United, the premier football league. The aim of this event is to popularize the sport at a grassroots level and encourage young talent by giving them an opportunity to participate in a global tournament
Announcing the competition in India at a press conference in Kolkata, Mr. Sanjay Gangopadhyay, Marketing Director, Nike India said, “The launch of the MUPC tournament is a testimony to our commitment to elevating the sport of football in the country. Nike has brought this global level tournament to India for the first time. The winners of this India round will be flown to Bangkok to participate in the South East Asian regional finals of the tournament to be held in May 2006.” He further added that the MUPC tournament will be an annual feature that will provide young football talent in India an opportunity to gain international exposure.
The competition, which is open to footballers under the age of 15, has gathered global momentum over the past few years having attracted a cumulative participation of 642,000 players and 8,000 teams from over 40 countries such as England, France, Brazil, Germany and many more. The tournament has witnessed past winners of champion clubs such as Barcelona, Corinthians, Manchester City, Sao Paulo to name a few.
Sanjay Gangopadhyay also announced the signing up of India’s star footballer and National Team Captain Baichung Bhutia as a Nike athlete.
“It is a great privilege for me to be a part of the Nike family and I’m delighted at their commitment to Indian Football. I’m confident that Nike will help elevate the game of football in the country,” said Baichung Bhutia.
As part of Bhutia’s deal with Nike, the ace striker will feature in marketing, public relations and community outreach initiatives for the brand.
For more information please contact:
Munmun Sengupta
Clea PR
