« Back to article

Print this article

PHOTOS: Dazzling opening ceremony kicks off inaugural IBL

The million-dollar Indian Badminton League (IBL) kicked off on Wednesday with a glittering opening ceremony even as Krrish Delhi Smashers clashed with the Pune Pistons in the tournament opener, in New Delhi.

- Schedule: Indian Badminton League

- 10 hottest buys of the Indian Badminton League

PHOTOS: Dazzling opening ceremony kicks off inaugural IBL

It was a colourful show of laser lights, acrobatics, Bollywood songs and dance as the half-an-hour opening ceremony started the proceedings at the Siri Fort Sports complex.

PHOTOS: Dazzling opening ceremony kicks off inaugural IBL

Flags of different franchises were carried by women inside big bubbles and acrobatics were performed by artists who used big size circles and cubes to showcase their skills,
enthralling the sparse crowd.

PHOTOS: Dazzling opening ceremony kicks off inaugural IBL

The stage was next taken by Neeti Mohan, who sang 'Jiyare Jiyare' from the movie Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

PHOTOS: Dazzling opening ceremony kicks off inaugural IBL

Earlier, six players, including Saina Nehwal, Jwala Gutta and Parupalli Kashyap took oath before the Badminton Association of India (BAI) president Akhilesh Das Gupta, who
announced the tournament open.