The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a partnership with airline giants, IndiGo as global partner and the official airline for the Indian Football Team. As the official airline partner for the Indian Football Team, IndiGo will cater to the diverse travel requirements of players, officials, and support staff.
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The airline’s vast network ensures seamless and efficient journeys for the Indian team. The partnership between the AIFF and the airline is set to span for a year, commencing from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024. IndiGo will also support the Indian women's football team, contributing to the empowerment of women in sports.
AIFF Secretary General Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran during the year-long partnership said, “It’s a historic day for Indian football. The airline IndiGo is flying high, and I'm sure with this partnership, we will only fly high. We wish you will always be the market leader. We believe it's a great occasion that has never been seen in Indian football history. We never had a collaboration with any airline before; that is truly historic.”
Although the deal is for only a year, Indigo CEO Mr. Pieters Elbers mentioned that they are looking for a long-term collaboration with the AIFF, quoting, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the All India Football Federation, as both organizations share a common vision of advancing Indian football to new heights. This marks the start of an official partnership for AIFF, while for IndiGo, it represents our inaugural foray into the world of sports. Together, we are committed to a long-term collaboration that will not only elevate the sport but also touch the lives of fans across the nation.”
The senior Indian team is set to travel to Kuwait for their next World Cup qualifier on November 16 before facing Qatar at home. Meanwhile, the U23 team, along with captain Sunil Chhetri, will start their campaign against China on September 19 at the Asian Games 2023. The Blue Tigers have been drawn into Group A, which also consists of Myanmar and Bangladesh.