MUMBAI: Ultimate Table Tennis received a shot in the arm as its second season kicked off in Pune Thursday with the announcement that Indian Oil Corporation Limited had come aboard as presenting sponsor.
The country’s energy giant, which has many top Indian sportspersons on its roster, including table tennis stars Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra, will also be an exclusive sponsor of the pre-tie, mid-tie and post-tie shows of UTT. The length of IndianOil’s deal was not disclosed.
UTT has Indian tyre manufacturer Ceat as its title sponsor and breakfast cereal maker Kellogg’s as powered by partner.
The second leg of the tournament will be in New Delhi and then, for the last leg, on to Kolkata, where the final will be played on July 1.
Subodh Dakwale, executive sirector (Corporate Communication & Branding) believes the tie-up with UTT is an extension of the company’s interests in sport. “We are delighted to partner with Ultimate Table Tennis in its second season. Indian Oil has always encouraged sporting culture as part of nation building and it is heartening for us to be part of this initiative to promote the sport of table tennis in India. We look forward with excitement to the new season and to working with the league to promote table tennis throughout India,” he said.
Expressing her delight at the development, Mrs Dani said: “IndianOil is a long-standing patron of table tennis and their involvement with CEAT UTT is a major boost to the league. With an organization such as theirs that is well-steeped in supporting sporting endeavors and sportspersons, CEAT UTT has taken another step in ensuring the second edition will be bigger and better.”
Three-time national table tennis champion and UTT co-promoter Niraj Bajaj feels the partnership with IndianOil will only enhance the stature of the tournament. “We are delighted that an iconic brand of the stature of the Indian Oil Corporation has stepped forward to partner with CEAT UTT. We are committed to delivering a significant return on investment for each of our partners and look forward to working hand in hand with IOC to elevate the league year on year.” he said.
