Mumbai : Huawei India, a leading ICT solutions provider, today announced a strategic partnership with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team just days ahead of the 7thseason of the Indian Premier League which will kick-off from 16thApril, 2014 in Dubai.

Huawei India will be designated as the Principal sponsor of the Bangalore-based team which is captained by super star Virat Kohli. The partners unveiled the new RCB team jersey, which features the Huawei logo on the front of the jersey as a principal sponsor of the team. Huawei will also have significant brand exposure around RCB’s home ground, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, along with in-stadium promotional rights. To expand the mutually beneficial contours of this partnership, both partners will shortly launch a series of joint marketing initiatives to engage with their respective fans and consumers across India.

Huawei began its journey in India by establishing its R&D centre in Bangalore. The partnership with Royal Challengers Bangalore hence, reaffirms the brand’s commitment towards India and emanates as homecoming). The core values of Huawei include dedication, continuous improvement, integrity and teamwork which also define the essence of sportsmanship. With similar core values, this partnership offers a perfect synergy for the values of both partner brands.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Cai Liqun, CEO, Huawei India remarked, “We are delighted to be associated with the prestigious game of Cricket that cuts across the demographic barriers and connects masses. Our foray into cricket is a gradual phenomenon in company’s journey to transform into a consumer brand.  Through this association, we aim to create a strong local resonance for the brand.

He further adds, “Besides, it’s a great platform to capitalize on the mass visibility, and with both Huawei & RCB being individual leaders in our respective realms, I am hopeful for a fruitful association.”

Mr. Russell Adams, Vice President, Commercial, Operations & Cricket Academy Royal Challengers Bangalorecommented, “We are delighted to welcome a global telecom giant like Huawei as Principal Sponsor of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. With Huawei’s strong presence in Bangalore, it is only fitting that Huawei’s first-ever cricket partnership should be with us. With the 7th edition of IPL kicking off in a matter of days, we look forward to an exciting and mutually rewarding partnership with Huawei”.

Mr. Virat Kohli, Captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore said, “Given Huawei’s partnerships with major sporting properties around the world, it is great to have them come on board as Prinicipal Sponsor of the team”

As a part of company’s journey in transforming into a consumer brand, Huawei has also globally partnered with Arsenal as official smartphone partner, associated with Paris SG Football club and also with Canberra Raiders in Australia.

The Royal Challengers will be playing their inaugural match on April 17, 2014 at the Sharjah Stadium, in Sharjah, UAE. This will be the second match of the tournament. The Challengers will also be playing five matches in their home ground at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, India.

Source : Lokesh Shastri