TECNO Extends CSR Partnership with Indian Football Foundation to Support Young Athletes

New Delhi, June 11, 2025: Global mobile brand TECNO has announced the extension of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnership with the Indian Football Foundation (IFF), reaffirming its focus on youth development and sports empowerment.

Now in its second year, the collaboration will continue to support six young footballers from underserved communities, providing them with residential training under the guidance of IFF. The foundation, co-founded by former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, aims to nurture talent through structured training and education.

The selected athletes for the extended term are Teinam L. Marshilong, Muhammed Fousan, Thokchom K.C. Singh, Ajolbin Kharkhylliang, Monisha Singha, and Sanfida Nongrum. They are currently training at Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) Residential Academies in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and Nashik, Maharashtra. Over the course of the two-year partnership, a total of seven scholars have benefited from the initiative.

“Our partnership with the Indian Football Foundation is driven by a shared vision to create inclusive opportunities that help young talents from diverse backgrounds realize their full potential,” said Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO. “By supporting their journey on and off the field, we aim to foster stronger communities and inspire the next generation of sports leaders.”

TECNO’s CSR support goes beyond training, covering academic development and enabling participation in competitive state, national, and club-level tournaments. The initiative aims to equip the scholars with skills both on and off the pitch.

Two of the athletes, Monisha Singha and Sanfida Nongrum, are currently playing for Garhwal United FC in the Indian Women’s League 2 (IWL2). Under Sanfida’s captaincy, the team recently topped its group and will compete in the IWL qualifiers in May, reflecting the real-world impact of the program.

The collaboration is part of TECNO’s broader CSR strategy, which includes promoting access to education and sports. Through its ongoing partnership with IFF, the company aims to contribute to structured talent development in Indian football.