The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stadium at National Sports Club of India (NSCI), Worli, looked like a star-studded affair the days it hosted the Indian Badminton League ((IBL). There was not only a serpentine queue to get into the stadium but there were crowds all over to see stars like Saina Nehwal, Ashwini, Lee Chong Wei.
And this star-frenzy continued inside too with almost every match seeing a houseful stadium. Spectators cheered at every good serve and whistled at a good smash – this kind of attention hitherto reserved for cricket only. IBL seems to have done its job and sparked an interest in a game which used to be watched in fits and starts – during the days of Prakash Padukone and now with Saina Nehwal.
While the tournament takes its concept from cricket’s Indian premier League (IPL), it does not work on the same idea of rooting for the home team. The first match here was played between Hyderabad Hotshots and Pune Pistons, both of which were not even the home teams. The current format makes it very clear that the idea is to only take the game at all six centres and not create a loyal fan base for the home teams. But home team or not, a turnout in excess of 2,000 people on each of the two days indicated that IBL is here to stay. Lee representing Mumbai was the perfect icing on the cake.
The tournament, which is in its first edition, can make do with all the attention it gets. When Saina Nehwal and Julianne Schenk tried to outplay each other, everything else came to a standstill at NSCI. The entire crowd was behind Lee Chong Wei as he battled out against fellow countryman Liew Daren and when he partnered Tine Baun in the mixed doubles match. When Saina, Lee Chong or Jwala Gutta spoke to the press after the matches, they attracted the same interest as when crickters speak after a day’s play.
While this may not be the best indicator for the health of badminton, it still has managed to generate curiosity and brought many first timers to the stadium. Importantly, for players like Saina, who have tasted most of her big successes abroad, this is a good way to cherish the support back home that she enjoys. Endorsement of the league by players such as Lee who recently said that IBL is better than the China League bodes well for the tournament.
Fortunately for the lovers of the game in the city, the same venue will also host the finals of this league. And by the looks of it, Mumbai is ready to look beyond cricket!