Soccer, TT seek SRK, corporate sponsorships

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After the DLF IPL, the T20 tournament backed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has caught the attention of the sports lovers, now it's time for the likes of football and table tennis to steal the limelight. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), the national body of Indian football, is receiving impetus from none other than Lalit Modi, the vice president of the BCCI, to do an IPL in football, too.

Vijay Mallya, the supremo of United Breweries, has also started thinking to follow cricket in soccer. Though the process may take its own time, managements of two big clubs, Mohun Bagan and Mohamedan Sporting, are all set to approach Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd for sponsorship.

After SRK expressed his interest for other games such as football and hockey at a conference in Kolkata, the club officials did not think twice to make up their minds.

"We are negotiating with some corporate houses for co-sponsorship, as we are sponsored by UB's McDowell. Yes, we will be placing our proposal before SRK as soon as possible," said Anjan Mitra, secretary, Mohun Bagan Athletic Club.

Similarly, Mohamedan Sporting is going to meet SRK with a proposal of title sponsorship. "Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group had provided Rs 1 crore for 2007-08. Now, they (ADAG) are planning to quit as our team has been relegated to the second division," said Sultan Ahmed, secretary, Mohammedan Sporting Club. "We are going to request SRK to come up with Rs 3 crore for the coming season," he added.

But, East Bengal will not be following others. "The celebrities say and commit a lot. But we are not impressed,"said East Bengal Club secreatry Kalyan Majumdar.

Like MB and MDSP, the West Bengal Table Tennis Association (WBTTA) is also seeking financial assistance from Red Chillies. It has already sent proposals to SRK for its upcoming Kolkata Premiere League followed by India Premiere League.

"Talks are on with Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Chirag, BNR and Tollygunge Agragami to participate in the TT tournament. Besides Tollygunge, others have sponsors. Chirag and BNR are office teams. Besides Red Chillies, talks are on with SAIL, ONGC and Coca-Cola for title sponsorship. We are waiting for the feedback," said Probir Mitra, president, WBTTA and vice president, Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI).