Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading Indian oil and gas company, has joined forces with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as a principal partner for the next four years.
This crucial sponsorship will cover the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics to significantly boost India’s athletes.
The announcement coincides with the ceremonial send-off of the Indian contingent heading to Paris. BPCL’s commitment aligns with its long-standing tradition of supporting Indian sportspersons. Over 200 athletes currently benefit from its backing, and this partnership will provide much-needed resources to the national teams as they compete on the international stage.
Commenting on the association, Shri G. Krishnakumar, C&MD BPCL, said, “Consistent with BPCL’s philosophy of nurturing and encouraging our country’s sporting talent from their initial years and through their sporting careers, we have, over the years, taken on board, over 200 sportspersons across various disciplines. Our support serves to provide confidence to the sportspersons, acting as a springboard for their aspirations.
“We are extremely happy to be partnering Indian Olympic Association and it gives us immense pride to be associated with champions who epitomise peak performance and intense passion, dazzling the world with breathtaking achievements.”
IOA President PT Usha, added, “We thank BPCL for partnering with the Indian Olympic Association, as a Principal Partner for a four-year journey starting from Paris Olympics ’24 and for supporting and believing in the potential of Indian athletes. This partnership signifies our shared commitment to nurturing sporting talent and cultivating role models for India.”
Shri Sukhmal Jain, Director of Marketing, BPCL, stated, “The sense of nationality that the Olympics fosters is what turns the Games into a worldwide phenomenon. Our partnership with Team India for the Olympic Games not only signifies our dedication to the development of sports in the country but also our shared vision of supporting Team India to achieve unparalleled success across sporting disciplines at this year’s Paris Olympics, giving birth to new sporting icons and superstars. I would like to thank the Indian Olympic Association for the opportunity to be the official Principal Partner for Team India.”
Mr. Neerav Tomar, MD, IOS Sports & Entertainment, added, “We are honoured to have played a part in this important partnership between IOA and BPCL. This long-term collaboration is a testament to our commitment to support and celebrate the Indian athletes from all corners of the country. BPCL’s campaigns will rally the support of all Indians to our athletes who are heading to Paris and will also inspire the next set of athletes aiming for LA 2028.”
Beyond financial backing, BPCL plans to launch campaigns designed to uplift the Indian contingent in Paris. These initiatives aim to unite the nation behind the athletes, celebrating their dedication and excellence. This multi-pronged approach underscores BPCL’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering athletes and fostering national pride.
This collaboration follows BPCL’s recent alliances with sporting legends Rahul Dravid and Neeraj Chopra, further solidifying its dedication to sports development. The involvement of IOS Sports and Entertainment, a powerhouse in sports management, brings a wealth of experience to the table, with its impressive portfolio of athletes and prestigious organizations.
BPCL is a prominent Indian state-owned oil and gas company, specializing in refining, marketing, and distribution of petroleum products. BPCL boasts a comprehensive network of refineries, terminals, and retail outlets across India. It refines crude oil to produce a range of products including petrol, diesel, lubricants, and petrochemicals.
A powerhouse in Indian sports and entertainment management, IOS Sports & Entertainment was established in Delhi in 2005. The marketing agency manages a diverse portfolio of clients, including iconic athletes like MC Mary Kom, Vijender Singh, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, and Ashwini Ponnappa. The agency’s reach extends beyond individual talents, as it also handles marketing activities for prestigious organizations like the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
The announcement builds upon IOA’s growing roster of sponsors for the Paris Games, including YES Bank, Ebco, Tasva, and Aditya Birla Capital Limited. With the Olympic Games set to begin on July 26, 2024, Indian fans can witness the action for free on JioCinema.