Athletics Federation of India teams up with HSBC India to support female athletes

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced its collaboration with HSBC India on Monday in an effort to support female athletes around the nation. This is specifically meant for the athletes who are budding talents.

Under this partnership, young girls will be chosen from the Under-14 and Under-16 National Inter District Championships and trained to compete on the international platform. The General Manager and CEO of HSBC, Hitendra Dave said, “We look forward to supporting our women athletes. We want to bolster their efforts by enabling access to training and equipment of international standard.” 

What the President of AFI had to say:

During the launch of the partnership, the AFI president Adille Sumariwalla said, “Special coaching camps would be set up for the selected athletes and all their needs would be taken care of.” He further added, “The partnership with HSBC will not only help develop, grow and support women’s participation in various track and field disciplines but also raise their performance levels in international events.”

India’s first medallist in the history of the World Athletics Championships and legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George marked her presence during the event. The CWG silver medallist Priyanka Goswami, bronze medallist Annu Rani, and Asian Games silver winner Hima Das were also present on the occasion.

Javelin thrower Annu Rani said, “With corporates like HSBC stepping up to partner with AFI, athletes will get more money and facilities and it will be easier for them to convince their parents and elders to allow them to play sport.”