PRESS RELEASE
Shillong 17 th August 2016: The Shillong Sports Association is delighted to confirm that Gionee, one of the world’s top mobile phone manufacturers, will be the principal sponsor for the 2016 edition of Meghalaya’s leading football competition.
The Shillong Premier League will now be known as the Gionee Shillong Premier League and the first match will kick off on 18 th August with 8 teams competing this year namely, Langsning SC, MLP FT, Malki Sports Club, Nangkiew Irat, Nongkrem FC, Royal Wahingdoh FC, Rangdajied United FC, and Shillong Lajong FC. Team Captains of all the teams were present in a press conference which was organised in the city today.
The first match will be played between Nongkrem and Meghalaya Police on 18 th August at 3:30PM while the defending Champions of the League, Shillong Lajong FC will play their first game on the 22 nd August against Rangdajied United FC.
Speaking on the new season, SSA General Secretary Mr.B.Diengdoh said, “I am very pleased that Gionee has come on board as the main sponsor this year of the Shillong Premier League. The support from Gionee will surely benefit the growth of football in the state of Meghalaya. I would like to wish all the participating teams all the very best for the league and I expect a very high quality competition this year.”
Founded in 2002 with a determination to pursue professionalism and innovation, Gionee has already partnered with two exciting sports teams in India – top flight football club Shillong Lajong FC (since 2014-15) and Indian Premier League T20 cricket franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (since 2015) – and the association with the Gionee Shillong Premier League will provide an avenue for the growth of football in Meghalaya.
As a further indication of its commitment to the uplift of sports in the North East and country as a whole, Mr. Nomit Joshi, AGM Marketing, Gionee said, "Shillong Premier League is a popular contested football tournament that resonates with our target audience. Football is a way of life for the people of North East and we plan to be partners in this journey with them. Plus this is a natural extension of our existing association with the premier club of the North East – Shillong Lajong FC. Wishing everyone involved with the league the very best of luck. I personally look forward to watching a few games soon.”
