GAIL sponsors upcoming chess player

April 15, 2005, New Delhi GAIL has sponsored upcoming chess player P Hari Krishna. An endorsement agreement was signed today between GAIL and the chess player in presence of Shri Sunil Dutt, Hon’ble Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and Shri Proshanto Banerjee, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL. Mr. M R Hingnikar, Director (HR), GAIL was also present on the occasion.

As a responsible corporate citizen, GAIL has been taking active interest in promotion of sports. Towards this goal, GAIL has formulated a Sports Promotion Policy. One of the objectives of this policy is to promote Hockey, Chess, Table Tennis and Swimming in the country.

P Hari Krishna, aged 19 years, won the Junior World Chess Championship held in Kochi during November-December 2004. His ELO rating is 2632. He has potential to be a part of the Indian team for Doha Asian Games in 2006 and also a bright prospect for winning a medal for the nation.

Hon’ble Union Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of India, Shri Sunil Dutt had appealed for sponsoring P Hari Krishna. GAIL decided to sponsor Hari Krishna for one year commencing 01 April, 2005 and provide him financial help of up to Rs.10 lakh. This financial assistance shall be available for bearing varied expenses of the player and would enable him to gain national and international exposure and improve his performance. The assistance would also be utilized for foreign coaching, traveling, boarding and lodging, etc.

About GAIL (India) Limited

GAIL (India) Ltd. is a premier gas transmission and marketing company with significant interests in Gas Processing, Petrochemicals, LPG Pipeline Transmission and Telecom. The flagship National Gas Company of India, GAIL has integrated into all aspects of gas value chain including exploration & production, transmission, extraction, processing, distribution and marketing of natural gas and its related process, products and services. The company has also extended its presence in power, LNG re-gasification, city gas distribution and E&P through Equity / JV participations. A navratna company, GAIL handles about 85% of natural gas business in India. With an annual turnover of Rs. 12,414 crore (FY03-04) and profit after tax of Rs. 1,869 crore, GAIL is one of the most preferred company by investors and shareholders.