Nike sponsors Indian national team

New Delhi; India joined a select group of national teams, including Brazil, that are sponsored by the global sportswear giant Nike after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) signed a seven-year sponsorship agreement with it here Monday.

As the new official sponsor of the AIFF, Nike will provide athletic footwear, apparel and accessories for both the men's and women's national teams of all age groups.

"Football in India has not realised its potential due to limited support and investments. The new partnership with Nike will bring cutting edge innovation in apparel and footwear to our players, which we believe will enhance their on-field performance," AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told a press conference here.

India's football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia and vice-captain Shanmugam Venkatesh displayed the latest team kits to the media at the press meet.

"We have been keen to be associated with football in India due to our global commitment to the game and the enormous popularity of the sport at the grass-roots level. We look forward to working with the team and to creating the best performance products for the players," Nike India general manager Sanjay Mehra said.

Both parties were tight-lipped about the financial details of the pact. Nike recently won a bid to be the official kit suppliers for the Indian cricket team in a deal worth $142 million.