Delhi 2010 secures banking sponsor

The Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games has secured its latest sponsorship deal, agreeing a partnership with the Central Bank of India. The bank, described as "one of the country's leading nationalised banks", joins Air India, NTPC and Hero Honda as partners ahead of the Games, which take place between 3rd and 14th October.

The deal was officially announced at the Delhi headquarters of the local organising committee, in a ceremony attended by Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of 2010, and Central Bank's chairman and managing director S. Sridhar. "The partnership will be mutually beneficial to us," Kalmadi said. "The message and impact of the Commonwealth Games can be felt not just in Delhi but also across the country because the bank has a large network of 3,541 branches and 218 extension counters in 27 states and four union terrirories."

Kalmadi added that the sponsorship would help Central Bank become a global bank. More than 70 nations will take part in the Games, the first to be held in India.

Hero Honda the latest to back Delhi 2010

Kalmadi added: "It is in keeping with Central Bank of India's wonderful track record of supporting sport in India. The bank has associated itself with many events including the 1982 Asian Games, many tennis tournaments and veterans' hockey series."

The organising committee, which has been beset with political and construction problems, many of which remain unresolved just months before the event is scheduled to take place, confirmed that it would use Central Bank's network of branches to sell tickets and merchandise.