– India’s first Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) competition begins
– Six lucky Indian winners to travel to Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup
New Delhi, April 10, 2018 – As an automotive partner of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Kia Motors India is creating an exciting opportunity for young Indian football players (between the ages group of 10-14) to experience the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, as part of the Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) program.
At each match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a total of 64 fortunate young people from all over the world will participate in the OMBC program, two of which will be from India. Delivering the all-important football to the pitch where soccer legends will play for the ultimate prize in the sport, these young people will play a key role in each and every pre-match ceremony.
This is an important moment for Kia India and indeed the country as a whole. Never before has India had official representation at the FIFA World Cup and Kia, a brand synonymous with sport and ‘the power to surprise’ has brought it to the Indian people, only a short while after entering the market.
The Kia OMBC campaign will be launched across India on social media and other digital platforms from 10thApril, geared towards all young football fans with aspirations of being the footballers of the future. To enter the first phase of this exclusive competition, the guardian of the entrant must record and submit a short film of them showing their passion, skill and interest for the game – all entrant videos should be uploaded to www.kia-motors.in/fifa2018 In the second phase the shortlisted entrants will be called for an on-site selection process based on their football skills, agility, attitude and teamwork. Six will be selected, Kia judges will select their best two to be the OMBC and the other four will accompany them to witness the matches. For the trip to Russia, Kia Motors will cover all travel and accommodation costs for the winner and their guardian.
Kia Motors’ partnership with FIFA goes back to 2007 and during this time it has grown more committed to the relationship between football, its fans and Kia drivers around the world. “As FIFA sets the standard for the highest level of football in the world, Kia will continue to challenge itself in achieving the highest levels of quality, design and performance in our new generation cars being specifically designed for the Indian market,” said, Manohar Bhat, Head- Marketing& Sales, Kia Motors India. He further added “Football has steadily been gaining ground within India and there are many young sports enthusiasts of all ages who would be excited to vie and hopefully win a coveted slot to be a match ball carrier. We look forward to adding Indian colours to an already successful partnership with FIFA and hope to fulfil the aspirations of many young Indian footballs fans in the years to come.”
About Kia Motors India (KMI)
In April 2017, Kia Motors signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, to build a new manufacturing facility in Anantapur District. Construction of Kia Motors’ first manufacturing facility in India is underway. The manufacturing facility is expected to begin production in the second half of 2019 and produce approximately 300,000 units per year.
For more information about Kia Motors India, please visit our website www.kia.com
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About Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of world-class quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. About 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced at 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 180 countries. Kia today has over 51,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of over US$47 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan – “The Power to Surprise” – represents the company’s global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.