New Delhi: The country's prestigious football event - National Football League which kicks off in Goa on Friday, has found new sponsor this time with Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) venturing to promote the meet.

Announcing the tie-up between the All-India Football Federation and the major public sector oil company, All India Football Federation (AIFF) president P R Dasmunshi said that ONGC will provide the bulk of the Rs 4 crore financial support while seven other companies would also chip in.

AIFF had struggled to find a sponsor till the mid-way stage of the high-profile league last year with Tata Steel agreeing to sponsor the second leg of the meet.

"Involvement of oil sector PSUs in promotion of the country's major soccer event this time will provide a major boost in organising the league which will run till March next year," Dasmunshi told reporters.

He said while ONGC will act as the principal co-ordinator of the event, other oil companies like BPCL, HPCL, IOC,GAIL, IBP, Cochin Refineries and Chennai Refineries Limited will also be involved in funding the event.

Dasmunshi said Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the league in Goa on Friday.

Defending champion Mohun Bagan, Kolkata giant East Bengal and several other top teams in the country will participate in the 132-match event.

PTI