New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS): Two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp Ltd Monday signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) agreeing to be the title sponsor for the ongoing Federation Cup and the upcoming I-league.

“With this (the sponsorship deal), Hero MotoCorp has now become the pioneer catalyst in popularising the game of football in the country. I am sure this will also bring in much needed professionalism into the game and promote it at the grassroots level to help identify and nurture local talent,” Munjal said.

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said he was “happy” that Hero MotoCorp has taken the initiative to title sponsor both the leagues and hoped the collaboration will help Indian football “scale new heights”.

“After the grand success of the Indian Super League (ISL), it is indeed heartening to see them extend wholehearted support to the premier cup competition and the league of the country. I am sure that this collaboration will help Indian football scale new heights in the days to come,” Das said.