On the eve of practise matches for the Mumbai leg of IBL, many of the spectators have no clue as to who is who.
Lee Chong Wei and Sania Mirza - Getty Images
Haan kuch IPL jaisa chaloo honewala hai andar (something like
IPL is about to start inside),” said a food vendor stationed right
outside National Sports Club of India (NSCI) — the venue for the Mumbai
leg of Indian Badminton League (IBL). After initial hiccups and
deferment, the IBL kicked off in Delhi on August 14. But the city where
the blue and white Kit Bags are a regular sight in local trains is yet
to catch the pulse of the tournament.
As soon as you think that the venue, by the Worli Sea Face, adds glamour to the contest, much like Wankhede Stadium by Marine Drive did, you hear another gentleman saying, “Jee andar kya cheerleaders aur DJs rahenge? (Will there be cheerleaders and DJs inside). The gentleman, who is a small-time businessman, is expecting “full-on entertainment”.
With the advent of IPL, sports is seen more as a part of popcorn and multiplex culture. Though the interaction between players from across cultures has contributed to the brotherhood, the gravity of the game seems to be on a decline.
By Saturday evening in Mumbai, IBL sold more than 70 per cent of the tickets in a span of 24 hours. The online tickets have all been taken too. But who are the buyers? The age group is mostly between 25-35 years and some of them desire to meet “Sania”. Yes, you heard that right and this is not some confusion or a mere slip-of-tongue. Sania Mirza is the one they want to watch in action. Ironically, Sania is the brand ambassador for the Delhi franchise Krrish Delhi Smashers but these people were not aware of that either.
And then there are the likes of young school-girl Shanaya Wagh, a district badminton player, who bought tickets to see her heroes in action.
“I'm really looking forward to watch Ashwini, Saina. I wish Lee Chong Wei plays. Seeing them live will add to my confidence,” said Wagh, who also participates in the tournaments organised by Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA).
However, the person right after her in the queue had no clue as to who Lee Chong Wei is. “Is he a Chinese movie-star?” Came another rib-tickling comment.
With the practise matches about to start, it remains to be seen who the winner is ultimately. The real badminton lovers of the city or the people who expect IPL-like fun. With the intermingling of consumerism and sport, supporting the true spirit of badminton maybe stamped as a deadpan statement and the latter may strut away with the title. But Sanket Shetty, venue manager (NSCI), who has put in a lot of effort behind constructing the wooden court at the venue is hopeful.
“We're all very excited after the hard work we have put in behind the infrastructure and facilities. Let's hope we have a good crowd,” he said. That’s what badminton lovers are hoping too.
As soon as you think that the venue, by the Worli Sea Face, adds glamour to the contest, much like Wankhede Stadium by Marine Drive did, you hear another gentleman saying, “Jee andar kya cheerleaders aur DJs rahenge? (Will there be cheerleaders and DJs inside). The gentleman, who is a small-time businessman, is expecting “full-on entertainment”.
With the advent of IPL, sports is seen more as a part of popcorn and multiplex culture. Though the interaction between players from across cultures has contributed to the brotherhood, the gravity of the game seems to be on a decline.
By Saturday evening in Mumbai, IBL sold more than 70 per cent of the tickets in a span of 24 hours. The online tickets have all been taken too. But who are the buyers? The age group is mostly between 25-35 years and some of them desire to meet “Sania”. Yes, you heard that right and this is not some confusion or a mere slip-of-tongue. Sania Mirza is the one they want to watch in action. Ironically, Sania is the brand ambassador for the Delhi franchise Krrish Delhi Smashers but these people were not aware of that either.
And then there are the likes of young school-girl Shanaya Wagh, a district badminton player, who bought tickets to see her heroes in action.
“I'm really looking forward to watch Ashwini, Saina. I wish Lee Chong Wei plays. Seeing them live will add to my confidence,” said Wagh, who also participates in the tournaments organised by Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA).
However, the person right after her in the queue had no clue as to who Lee Chong Wei is. “Is he a Chinese movie-star?” Came another rib-tickling comment.
With the practise matches about to start, it remains to be seen who the winner is ultimately. The real badminton lovers of the city or the people who expect IPL-like fun. With the intermingling of consumerism and sport, supporting the true spirit of badminton maybe stamped as a deadpan statement and the latter may strut away with the title. But Sanket Shetty, venue manager (NSCI), who has put in a lot of effort behind constructing the wooden court at the venue is hopeful.
“We're all very excited after the hard work we have put in behind the infrastructure and facilities. Let's hope we have a good crowd,” he said. That’s what badminton lovers are hoping too.
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