OYO signs MoU with India Khelo Football to support grassroot football development 

New Delhi, August 21, 2024: Global hospitality technology company OYO has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Khelo Football (IKF), a prominent organization committed to promoting football at the grassroots level across India. This partnership will see OYO providing accommodation solutions for players, coaches, and officials involved in IKF’s nationwide football initiatives, ensuring they have a comfortable and reliable place to stay during training camps, tournaments, and events.

The partnership begins with the trials of India Khelo Football Season 4 in more than 100 cities and villages across India. OYO will provide accommodation in its network of hotels as part of this partnership. 

India Khelo Football’s initiatives include organizing talent scouting programs, providing training sessions with professional coaches, and hosting tournaments that give young players the exposure they need to progress in their football careers. The partnership with OYO will ensure that participants have access to comfortable and safe accommodations, allowing them to perform at their best during these critical developmental stages.

The initiative is a part of OYO's ongoing program to strengthen its sports hospitality business by actively promoting sports at grassroot level. OYO has already catered to the requirements of more than 40,000 sports officials and players by partnering with Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, 36th National Games, Rajasthan Rural Olympics, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Trophy, Maharashtra State Olympic Games, Rajasthan Yuva Mahotsav, ESIC Sports Meet and All India Forest Sports Meet.  

Speaking on the occasion, Pankaj Kumar, Head, Government and Sports Hospitality Business, OYO said “At OYO, we believe in the power of sports to bring about positive change and are excited to contribute to the growth of football in India by offering our accommodation solutions to these young, aspiring athletes. We are excited to take advantage of this partnership with India Khelo Football and strengthen our position as a key player in the sports tourism ecosystem.

Phani Bhushan Director, India Khelo Football added "We decided to partner with OYO since it has demonstrated its capabilities as a reliable accommodation partners for large scale sporting events.  This partnership is a significant step forward in our journey to support grassroots football. By ensuring that our players and teams have reliable accommodation, we can focus more on their development and less on the logistical challenges. Together with OYO, we aim to create a nurturing environment for the next generation of Indian footballers."

OYO has recently ventured into the sports hospitality business, aiming to tap into the growing demand for specialised accommodations that cater to athletes, teams, and sports events. This new vertical is designed to offer tailored hospitality solutions, including team-friendly facilities, proximity to sports venues, and services that meet the specific needs of sports professionals and enthusiasts.