World No. 15 Marin Cilic & India’s No. 1 Yuki Bhambri

unveil the Aircel Chennai Open 2013 Trophy

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Chennai, December 29, 2012: The Aircel Chennai Open, India and South Asia’s only ATP World Tour tennis event, today unveiled the trophy that will be presented to the winner of the $430,000 tennis tournament in Chennai. World No. 15 and two-time champion Marin Cilic & India’s No.1 Yuki Bhambri together with Mr. Sankara Naraynan K, Regional Business Head, Chennai and ROTN, Aircel, Mr. M.A. Alagappan, President of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, Mr  C.B.N. Reddy, Honorary Secretary, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, Tom Annear, Tournament Director and Mr. Ashu Jindal, COO, IMG Reliance, unveiled the stunning trophy.

The top-notch sporting event, scheduled to take place at the city’s SDAT Tennis Stadium from December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013 has confirmed participation from leading players in the world including Tomas Berdych, Janko Tipsarevic, Marin Cilic, Stanislas Wawrinka and top-ranked doubles specialists Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna and Daniel Nestor.

The special Aircel Chennai Open trophy for the 18^th edition of the tournament has been conceptualized, designed and handcrafted by Frazer and Haws, a brand with a historic pedigree. Richly handcrafted to bring out style and substance, the trophy is a reminder of traditions that keep alive the spirit of sportsmanship in India. The trophy is conceptualized to highlight strength and resilience, and stands tall with the cup symbolizing the wide spectrum victory.

Commenting on this, Mr. Sankara Naraynan K, Regional Business Head, Chennai and ROTN, Aircel stated, ”Aircel Chennai Open in India has gained immense popularity amongst the youth and we at Aircel take pride in associating with this brilliant tournament and IMG Reliance who continuously strive to raise the bar of the event every year and make this event a sports extravaganza.”

Commenting on this, Mr. M.A. Alagappan, President of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association said, “The Aircel Chennai Open has been growing in popularity over the years and we are glad that another edition of India’s only ATP World Tour tennis event is all set to begin. It is our pleasure to unveil this symbol of achievement that will be presented to the title holder of the 2013 edition.”

Ashu Jindal, COO, IMG Reliance said, “We are delighted to unveil the trophy for the 18^th edition of the Aircel Chennai Open. It personifies the enthusiasm and energy associated with the event and we are sure that the winner of this trophy will give fans some scintillating tennis action in the days to come. Much has gone into making the event a top-class tournament; we’ve grown in leaps and bounds and are geared up for an exciting week of tennis that features the best field we’ve had to date.”

 “The organizers of the Aircel Chennai Open add new and exciting features to the tournament every year. These elements make the event special and everyone waits in anticipation to experience something fresh and new. Introducing a trophy in the 18th edition of the tournament is an outstanding move and I am certain the players will be delighted to receive it,” said Tournament Director, Tom Annear.

ABOUT AIRCEL CHENNAI OPEN 2013

The USD 430,000 Aircel Chennai Open, owned by IMG and operated and organized by IMG Reliance, is India and South Asia's only ATP World Tour event. Started in 1996, by IMG, a global leader in sports management and marketing, the tournament has completed sixteen successful years of existence, branding Chennai and India on the global tennis map thus creating a legacy of sorts of promoting international tennis in India. Winner of the prestigious ATP's Player Services Award of Excellence (2006) for its outstanding organization and wonderful hospitality towards the participants and ATP's Best Marketing Award (2008), the event has acquired the status of a much sought-after tennis event for both players and fans alike in the International tennis circuit. The 18th edition of the tournament will be held from December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013 at the SDAT Tennis stadium in Nungambakkam, Chennai. The tournament is conducted in Chennai under the aegis of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and is organized with the active collaboration of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA).

ABOUT AIRCEL LIMITED

Aircel is India’s fifth largest and fastest growing GSM mobile service provider with a subscriber base of around 66.7 million. Aircel is a Pan India operator with a presence across 23 circles. It won 3G spectrum in 13 circles and BWA spectrum in 8 circles and has successfully launched 3G services in 13 circles. It is the fastest 3G roll out ever in the Indian Telecom Space. Aircel has been constantly innovating products & services and is credited with making 3G affordable to masses by launching Pocket Internet Smart which offers best value 3G packs. Aircel Pocket Internet Smart gave a boost to 3G adoption in the country as it is a true value for money product that allows consumers to access unlimited 3G data at extremely affordable prices. Aircel has positioned itself as a data led telecom player and has addressed the multi-functionality of a mobile phone in many innovative ways which are Industry firsts, be it the Aircel Pocket Internet, the first social networking mobile INQ on Aircel, Aircel Apollo Mobile Health Care, Blyk on Aircel, an enriching engagement for the Youth and very recently the first telecom player to introduce Facebook Voice Updates on Aircel. Aircel is also a preferred telecom network to launch Apple iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5. For more information, please log on to www.aircel.com

ABOUT IMG TENNIS

For nearly four decades, IMG Tennis has led the industry in the areas of player representation, tournament management, tour marketing, television-related initiatives, and teaching academies. The company’s rich heritage in tennis dates back to 1968 with the signing of its first tennis client, Rod Laver, by Mark H. McCormack. IMG Tennis anticipates the trends, nurtures the talent, and maximizes the opportunities for players, organizations, corporate marketers, and fans of tennis. IMG represents many top players on both the WTA and ATP Tours, along with a bevy of future stars poised to make their mark on the professional game. IMG also prides itself on representing many of the legends of the game. IMG's roster of tennis clients includes Novak Djokovic, Bjorn Borg, Lindsay Davenport, Chris Evert, Mary Joe Fernandez, John McEnroe, Rafael Nadal, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, and Venus Williams.

ABOUT IMG RELIANCE

In 2010 Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India's largest and most recognized private sector company, and IMG Worldwide (IMG), the world’s leading sports marketing and management company, announced the formation of an equal joint venture to develop, market and manage sports and entertainment in India. The joint venture company, IMG Reliance Pvt. Ltd., will create and operate major sports and entertainment assets in the country.  In its first initiative, IMG Reliance entered into an agreement with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) to create a new professional basketball league and manage all aspects of the commercial rights to the game in India. IMG Reliance signed a 15-year agreement with the AIFF, to improve, popularize and promote the game of football throughout India, from the grassroots to the professional level.  IMG Reliance has also created a scholarship program to identify and train talented young Indians from sports including - basketball, soccer and tennis–at IMG’s world-class sports training facilities at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida.