Mohammedan Sporting Club have finally got a sponsor to support their football team. Announcing the three-year agreement with Elegant, a product of the SPS Group, Mohammedan Sporting secretary Sultan Ahmed said the deal is worth ?about Rs 1 crore? for three years.
SPS Group chairman Bipin Vohra, who also happens to be one of the club?s vice-president, said if teh club performed well in the Premier League and NFL, they would be extended ?greater support? next year.
Ahmed said the welcome funds will be used to build up a good team for the NFL and improve ground and gallery conditions so that the team can play at least the local league matches at home. He also announced that all players and coaches will be insured (for life) for Rs 1.5 lakh each and medical insurances made for Rs 50,000 each. Unveiling the new team jersey, Ahmed revealed that Dhaka Md. Sporting have sent those for the Calcutta team.
Bhaichung Bhutia?s contract with East Bengal for the ensuing season will be ready on Tuesday. After days of uncertainty, the striker has verbally agreed to don the red-and-gold jerseys from October 1 to May 2006. According to a spokesman of East Bengal?s sponsors, the contract will be mailed to Bhaichung or handed over to him for approval on Tuesday itself. Bhaichung, who will be offered more or less the same amount of money as last year, left for Delhi on Monday to get his Malaysian visa done.
Meanwhile, East Bengal have abandoned plans to recruit Pakistan striker Mohammad Essa after he demanded an exorbitant amount for a six-month contract.
The AIFF has written to the IFA saying that the dates they had sought for the IFA Shield (November 26 to December 4) can?t be granted as the Durand Cup has already been allotted a December 1-15 slot. IFA secretary Subrata Dutta said he will now request the AIFF to push back the Durand dates by 4-5 days so that the Shield can be held from end-November.
The Bengal probables had their first workout on Monday with a physical training session in the morning and nets in the afternoon. Thirtysix of the 42 probables ? made up of under-22 as well as senior cricketers ? turned up on Day I.
Ranadeep Moitra conducted the fitness session. Coach Paras Mhambrey will take charge from September 1.
BADMINTON: BPAWB-organised school meet: Matches at SAI complex.
TABLE TENNIS: CLT meet: Finals from 2 pm.
