Firm Promises Support For Grassroots Sports

Following a successful conclusion of the maiden Airtel Rising Star camping and eventual soccer competition, Rajan Swaroop, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Communication has promised to make it an annual feature.

Swaroop told a news conference at Campos Square, shortly after the event was rounded up that the company would bankroll the event again next year.

“The Airtel Rising Star tournament will gather momentum and attract more talents by the time more categories are introduced in the next edition.”

According to him, more females will be involved in future tournaments.

“We believe that the females will be given equal opportunity in next year’s event. I am glad the female folks were part of the successful staging of this year’s event.

“It is not only about the money put into organising this project, but the effort and passion we put together, which I think was very important,” he said.

Nwankwo Kanu, a former captain of the Super Eagles and Brand Ambassador of Airtel, who graced the occasion, said: “This was a fantastic project and that’s why I got involved in it.

“The female team really impressed me and I can count  five to six talented players I have identified for the National U-17 team.

“We need to encourage them, so as to bring the best out of them. During my playing days we didn’t have this opportunity.

“For young kids like them, this is the time to show off their skills and then we can get talents from here,” he said.