New Delhi, Jun 2 (IANS): India's leading broadcaster Star India on Wednesday announced that it has bagged exclusive broadcasting rights for the next five editions of the French Open tennis tournament from 2017 to 2021.

Under this contract, which includes media and digital rights, Star India will become Roland-Garros exclusive media partner for India and the Indian subcontinent covering Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Star India will offer extensive coverage of the full 15 days of the tournament, and all of the French Tennis Federation's (FFT) on-ground initiatives in the region.

"Star India is delighted to announce a strategic partnership with the French Tennis Federation that reiterates our support and increase visibility towards Roland-Garros. This partnership adds to our existing repertoire of Wimbledon and the International Premier Tennis League, positioning Star Sports as the premier destination for tennis in India," Star Sports CEO Nitin Kukreja said in a statement.

"Star Sports is committed to fostering a multi-sport culture in India and bringing the best sporting action to Indian audiences across cricket, kabaddi, football, badminton, hockey, motorsports and now global tennis," he added.

Jérémy Botton, FFT's CEO, said, "I am very pleased to announce the signature of this contract with Star India. It will ensure the Federation is able to guarantee maximum exposure for Roland-Garros in India and further increase the visibility of the tournament in this part of the world."

"This agreement also reflects our strategy to develop Roland-Garros abroad and especially in India, which has been a priority region for the FFT for several years," he added.