PRESS RELEASE
Will be a great thrill to watch Lee Chong & Tine Baun in action: Sunil Gavaskar
Cricket legend says: The IBL promises to be a league to remember
July 26, 2013, New Delhi: Indian sports legend and Mumbai Masters’ Sunil Gavaskar today hailed the
Indian Badminton League as a revolutionary step in the sport and said it promises to be an unforgettable
event.
The USD1-million IBL kicks off from August 14-31, with Krrish Delhi Smashers taking on Pune Pistons in the
inaugural match at New Delhi’s DDA Badminton Stadium, Siri Fort .
In a statement, Gavaskar, who held several batting records for years, including the highest scorer in Test
cricket, said, “I am absolutely delighted that Mumbai Masters have got the players that they have for the
first-ever Indian Badminton League. Lee Chong Wei has been the No.1 player for a few years now and it is
not easy to maintain the ranking since there are so many new players coming through every year.”
The ‘Little Master’ added, “Lee Chong Wei’s speed is incredible and there is no doubt that he is the fastest
player on the court. It is going to be a great thrill to be able to watch him in action.”
Commenting on three-time All-England champion Tine Baun of Denmark and other top foreign stars
acquired by Mumbai Masters in the recently-held IBL auction, Gavaskar said, “Tine Baun has shown what
tenacity and perseverance can do. There is no one who works harder than her and it shows in her results. I
am also looking forward to watching Marc Zwiebler and Vladimir Ivanov as also the Indian players in the
team and am certain that there will be huge entertainment for badminton lovers watching these and other
franchise players in action. It promises to be a league to remember.”
Commenting from his training camp in Hong Kong, world No.1 Lee Chong Wei said, “I’m looking forward
to meeting Mr Gavaskar and my team-mates in Mumbai Masters. I will try to do my best for the team.”
LCW also mentioned that watching a cricket match if possible on the sidelines of the IBL was on his wishlist. “I am curious to witness a cricket match. Hopefully, I will get an opportunity on this trip,” the two-time
Malaysian Olympic silver medalist said.
Zwiebler, the reigning European champion from Germany said, “I’m very excited to play in the IBL. The
format is interesting because it gives us players the chance to promote our sport in one of the biggest
countries in the world and at the same time I´m sure we will meet new friends and take home a lot of new
experiences. I’m looking forward to a great league with lots of world-class players competing with and
against each other.”
The $1-million Indian Badminton League is set to launch on August 14, 2013, with some high-voltage action
expected between Krrish Delhi Smashers and Pune Pistons. The 2013 IBL will feature six franchises and will
run for 18 days. Each franchise will host a two-day leg and the League will showcase a grand total of 90
matches, providing broadcasters and in-stadia spectators with more than 100 hours of LIVE “family
entertainment” which will also be viewed by a significant international audience. The matches will be held
during late afternoon and evening to coincide with prime time television and providing a convenient time
for the stadium audience. The LIVE IN-stadia entertainment, combined with high-octane on-court action is
expected to further hook viewers onto this new adrenalin packed LIVE family entertainment format
attracting a much younger fan base, which also includes women and children.
The top four franchises in the League will clash in the semifinals and the winners will meet in the grand final
on August 31, which will be played out in Mumbai, for the richest prize money tournament in badminton till
now.
About BAI:
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is the governing body for badminton in India. BAI is an association
registered under the Societies Act and affiliated to the Badminton World Federation, BAC and the IOA. BAI
was formed in 1934 and has been holding national-level tournaments in India since 1936. BAI conducts
international tournaments in India like the India Open Superseries, Syed Modi India Grand Prix, national
championships, selects team and conducts camps for Olympic Games, World Championship, looks after
training of technical officials, and takes path-breaking initiatives like Indian Badminton League to promote the
sport.
About Sporty Solutionz Pvt Ltd:
Sporty Solutionz Pvt Ltd are the Commercial Partner for the Indian Badminton League and the Marketing
and Events Partners for the Yonex Sunrise India Open. The company is India’s leading TV Rights
Management Company, and has been associated with almost all the premier sporting events in India like the
IPL, Euro 2012, Sri Lanka Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, FIFA World Cup Qualifying
matches etc. Based in Noida (Delhi NCR), Sporty Solutionz also specialises in Sports Production, Events,
Talent Management & Sports PR & Press Operations.
For further information, please contact:
Nishant Shukla | Shilpi Bawa
Isha Ravi
Adfactors PR
Sporty Solutionz Pvt Ltd.
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