Yonex-Sunrise India has signed one of the biggest sponsorship contracts with the Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA). After a previous nine-year support for select tournaments and events in the State, Yonex-Sunrise signed a three-year contract with MBA which will entail supply of equipments (shuttlecocks and high-end racquets) for close to one hundred tournaments from 2012-13 to 2014-15.
“The value can be estimated at around. Rs. 2.5 crores. They will support 24 districts of the State, three selection trial tournaments that precede three national events, kit three State teams and special clinics. We are working out the cash component, but this is the first time we have signed a three-year contract,” said Pradeep Gandhe, President, MBA at the Press Club Mumbai here on Monday.
Mr. Vikram Dhar, Managing Director, Yonex-Sunrise India said that his company which is the world’s No. 1 badminton equipment maker is associated with almost all the States in India. “But not like this, where we have decided to cover 24 districts, the State teams, districts and at the grassroots level. Maharashtra has a rich tradition in badminton. Badminton has large interest in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Latur, Aurangabad and Akola.”
When asked about the likely start of the Indian Badminton League (IBL) Mr. Gandhe (who is also the Vice-President of the Badminton Association of India) said: “Some formalities have to be completed. All details have to be put in black and white. It should happen in 2013.”
