Energy giant Total to sponsor BWF events

Paris, Jan 13 (IANS)

Global energy giant Total has been announced as a multi-million dollars title sponsor with the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The three-year partnership between the French company and the sport's world governing body starts this year for both the BWF Major Events and the BWF World Superseries, reports Xinhua. It will begin with this year's Total BWF World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, in addition to the Total BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals, as well as the Total BWF Sudirman Cup.

Total marketing and services Asia Pacific senior vice president Francois Dehodencq Monday said: "We are very pleased to be the first global energy company to partner with BWF to promote the badminton sport."

"The suite of world class events which BWF hosts represent the best of individual and team competition, and feature elite athletes from across the world.

"Moreover, almost 80 percent of the Olympic badminton medalists hail from Asia Pacific, a region where Total is committed to grow our presence," he said.

"It is significant that one of the major players in the global energy industry will now be partnering with badminton -- the fastest racket sport which also requires incredible stamina," said BWF president Poul-Erik Hoyer.

"I am proud to announce this partnership with a global company like Total, entrusting badminton to convey its corporate message and values.

"I am convinced badminton will also benefit from this association with Total's strong principles and corporate profile," added Hoyer.