The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Multinational cell phone makers Nokia has become the sponsors of Bangladesh national football team for two international soccer tournaments.

Nokia would sponsor the national football team for the ensuing AFC Challenge Cup Qualifying Round and the SAFF Championship, said BFF acting general secretary Manjoor Hossain Malu after signing an agreement with Nokia at the BFF conference room on Monday.

Malu signed the contract on behalf of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), while Nokia Emerging Asia managing director Prem Chand signed for his company. The AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round matches will be held May 5-10 in Kyrgyzstan while the SAFF Championship will be played on June 3-14 in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Under the contract, Nokia would provide financial support and all necessary sports gears for the national booters, Malu said, but declined to specify any amount. "We are very proud of being associated with BFF and hope to continue to sponsor grassroots level of football in the future as well," Nokia Emerging Asia managing director Prem Chand told the reporters.

Prem Chand, a football lover since his childhood, said football is very popular in Bangladesh, more so in the villages. "Bangladesh people are football crazy. For this, reason we have come forward to stand beside football here."

BFF president SA Sultan, vice presidents Abdur Rahim and Sirajul Islam Bacchu were, among others, present at the signing ceremony.