Hero MotoCorp appointed as the title sponsor for Indian Super League

Hero MotoCorp's association with cricket goes a long way as it has been sponsoring our national team as well as a few tournaments. Now, the New Delhi-based manuafcturer has extended its camaraderie to football as it announced a sponsorship for a first of its kind franchise-based football league in India. According to a three-year deal, Hero MotoCorp has now become the title sponsor of the Indian Super League.

With this deal now signed, the much awaited football league will now be called as 'Hero Indian Super League'. Promoted by IMG-Reliance and Star India, the football league will feature eight new clubs from major cities across the country and gets the backing of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, said, “Football is not just the world’s most popular game; it has today become a phenomenon sweeping across continents. The Indian Super League, therefore, is a timely initiative, and we are delighted to be partners in this journey for the common goal of promoting football in the country.”

Mr. Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India, said, “The Hero name brings with it credibility, commitment and passion to the cause of sports. We feel honoured and privileged to present the ‘Hero Indian Super League’ to the growing base of Indian football fans.”

Rules of the league stipulate a minimum squad strength of 22 players, including one marquee player, seven international and 14 Indian players. Furthermore, a team can strengthen its squad by adding five more players of its choice, outside of the central player pool draft.

Since its split with long-term joint venture partner, Honda, Hero MotoCorp has been aggressively expanding into other global markets. As a part of this expansion, Hero MotoCorp, earlier this month marked its entry into the Colombian market by setting up a wholly owned subsidiary, HMCL Colombia SAS. The company has also laid the foundation stone for a manufacturing facility in the country, which will cater to the Brazilian markets.