Haier, one of the global leader in Home Appliances & Consumer Electronics, on Monday announced its partnership with the Bengaluru based Kickstart FC’s Women’s Team for two years – 2022 and 2023.
The partnership is an extension of the company’s continuous focus to acknowledge the determination and success of Indian women achievers and athletes who continue to perform big but silently, denoting them as ‘Silent Performers’. The team is currently competing in the fifth edition of the Indian Women’s League, the top division of women’s professional football club competition in India.
Haier is partnering with the women’s team of the Bangalore-based Kickstart FC to become a behind-the-scenes supporter of the players by providing the necessary equipment and resources required for improving their training process to further hone their skills, and enhance their overall performance on the field. Most of the players in the team hail from humble backgrounds, with many being from underprivileged sections, which sometimes becomes a deterrent to their following their passion for football.
Through Haier’s brand philosophy of ‘Inspired Living’ to support the ‘Silent Performers’ of India, the brand hopes to create a conducive environment for the players to continue their journey hassle-free.
Commenting on the association, Satish NS, President, Haier Appliances India, said: “Haier India at every step celebrates the success and contribution women make in various fields of life. As women’s footballing action is back with the fifth edition of IWL 2022, we are super excited to partner with Kickstart FC Women’s Team to extend our support to women players. Through this synergistic partnership, we hope to inspire young Indian girls to become a part of this glorious sport and promote the spirit of sportsmanship.”
He further added: “Haier has been strengthening its brand message and spirit of ‘Silent Performers’, where we have lauded women achievers and sportswomen who have made our nation proud with their accomplishments and yet, have remained away from the media spotlight. Haier as a company seeks to support and provide a better platform to women in sports and, ensure that underprivileged girls are provided with the required skills to be able to become self-reliant and self-sustainable tomorrow.”
Speaking on the partnership, Laxman Bhattarai – Founder CEO and Head Coach, Kickstart FC said: “Being the unbeaten hat-trick champions in Karnataka Women’s League (KWL) speaks a lot about our dedication and commitment to the Kickstart style of football. In the IWL 2022, the continuous support we have received from Haier is reinforcing both our conviction in uplifting women in sports in India. We have bigger plans ahead for our super talented players.”
The fifth edition of the premier Indian Women’s League of football will see 12 women’s teams vie for the top position across three grounds in Odisha (Kalinga Stadium, Capital Stadium, and Battalion Stadium) from 15 April to May 26, 2022.
Kickstart’s focus on women’s empowerment is the core of their football philosophy, which has resulted in developing some of the best-talented players playing for the state of Karnataka at a national level (6 players). The club has top players who have played for the Indian national team and have remained committed to the vision of Kickstart, which has resulted in the club winning a hat-trick in the KWL as the unbeaten champions for 3 years.