Air-conditioned Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium inaugurated

The National Sports Club of India (NSCI) launched the air conditioned Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium in Worli on Saturday.

The inauguration was done by the Union Home Minister Sushikumar Shinde. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Praful Patel, Chaggan Bhujbal, Milind Deora, Sachin Ahir and Sunil Prabhu were also seen at the inauguration ceremony. Whereas Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar 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.

“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, recollecting his golden days at the stadium.

The newly inaugurated stadium will play host to the inaugural Indian Badminton League.