AIFF signs 5-year deal with Pailan Group

New Delhi: The All India Football Federation on Sunday officially signed a sponsorship deal with Pailan World Group for its U-23 I-League team Indian Arrows.

Under the five-year deal, Pailan Group will sponsor Indian Arrows -- formed last year to prepare the national football team for the 2018 World Cup. AIFF president Praful Patel signed the official agreement with Pailan Group chairman Apurba Saha at Pailan World Group Complex here this afternoon. "We look forward to the deal taking Indian football to greater heights. This is the developmental team of AIFF. We have a long way to go to regain lost glory," Patel said in a statement. As per the deal Indian Arrows, who finished ninth among 14 teams in last season`s I-League, will shift base to Kolkata and will be training in the residential complex of Pailan World School. "I`ve been impressed with the residential wing, the kitchen, the swimming pool and the gymnasium and the training grounds," Patel added. The AIFF chief stressed that he would be speaking to the I-League clubs to get some players for Indian Arrows. "The developmental attitude of the clubs will go a long way in helping the sport. Everyone has to put their best foot forward for the betterment of Indian football. I`d request the clubs to release the players for one more year," Patel said. Patel also informed that the AIFF and the IFA are keen to develop Rabindra Sarovar Stadium into a World Class Stadium. AIFF general secretary Kushal Das thanked Pailan`s gesture and said he was looking forward to the partnership. "A great partnership has just begun," he opined. PTI