India’s national level sports body, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has signed up world-renowned Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning as the official apparel partner of the Indian team for a span of almost three years till 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
As per the agreement, Li-Ning shall sponsor sports competition and training apparel, leisure wear and footwear to Indian contingent (players as well as officials) for the much-awaited sporting extravaganzas, namely Asian Games 2018, 2018 Summer Olympic Youth Games and Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Speaking on the development, IOA President Narinder Batra stated that the association signifies the “growing stature of Indian sports” and a tie-up up with a “like-minded partner such as Li-Ning” at this critical stage would provide a “massive boost for us as well as our athletes”.
Significantly, Li-Ning had been IOA’s kitting partners for Rio 2016 Olympics as well. This time we are happy to have them on board for long-term until 2020, averred IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta.
Markedly, Li-Ning, incepted in 1990, is marketed in India by Sunlight Sports. The Singapore-born company is mandated to lead the brand’s growth in the key markets like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Hong Kong, Korea, Brunei, Philippines, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Further, the brand has appointed Indo Rubber & Plastic Works, a Meerut-based manufacturer and distributor of sports and lifestyle products, as its exclusive distributor for India. Officially launched in India in 2012, Li-Ning is today reckoned as the country’s best-selling brand of badminton footwear and apparel.
Elated on the brand’s sponsorship deal with IOA, Sunlight Sports Managing Director Mahender Kapoor stated, “We, at Li-Ning-Sunlight Sports, are totally committed to providing the best quality and on-field comfort apparel to Indian athletes throughout these mega-events.”
