The decade-long wait is finally over as the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) on Saturday launched the air conditioned Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium in Worli.
Union Home Minister Sushikumar Shinde inaugurated the stadium, which will host the inaugural Indian Badminton League (IBL) matches.
ADVERTISEMENT
Also present at the opening were Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Praful Patel, Chaggan Bhujbal, Milind Deora, Sachin Ahir and Sunil Prabhu. Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar however, could not make it.
“It gives me immense pleasure to come here for the inauguration. Ten years ago I came here to lay the foundation for this stadium. I am glad to see the new facilities. It’s the best in the country,” said Chavan.
Bhujbal recollects
Meanwhile, Bhujbal recollected the golden days of the stadium. “There were times when people used to flock this venue to watch late wrestler Dara Singh in action.
It used to hurt me that there was nothing happening (all these years). Today, I am really happy, seeing a brilliant structure in place,” said Bhujbal.u00a0