Hero Honda to sponsor 2010 CWG

With 296 days to go, there is optimism all around for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This confidence was given another boost on Friday when Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Games, announced Hero Honda Motors Limited as the sponsor of India’s showpiece sporting event. The company will also sponsor the national leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay.


Talking about the government money and funds being poured in to ensure the success of the Games, Kalmadi said, “The money given to the Organising Committee has been taken on loan and we will repay it.”
The OC has been provided Rs 1,600 crore by the government.


Kalmadi also said that the OC was exploring various alternatives to raise the money. “We are looking at four options - sponsorship, television revenues, merchandise, and ticket sales — to raise the requisite amount,” Kalmadi explained.


Having targeted Rs 200 crore in television revenues, Kalmadi said that the budget had already crossed more than Rs 300 crore.

This was due to the interest shown by British and Australian networks, as “the timing of swimming and some other sports was perfect for their athletes,” Kalmadi said.

Hero Honda motorcycles will escort the Baton when it arrives in India from the Wagah border in Pakistan. It will travel almost 20,000 kms and through all the states and their capitals on its 100-day journey.

Pawan Munjal, MD and CEO, said, “Along with the Games, Hero Honda will also be sponsoring the third edition of the Indian Premier League, FIH Hockey World Cup and Indian Open golf.”