The Motera stadium which is hosting the third and fourth Test of the four-match Test series between India and England saw Indian president Ram Nath Kovind formally inaugurate the iconic venue on Wednesday before the start of the day-night Test.
President Ram Nath Kovind, on Wednesday (February 24), also renamed the Motera Stadium as Narendra Modi stadium.
The President performed 'bhumi pujan' while inaugurating the newly revamped Motera Stadium. Home Minister Amit Shah, BCCI secretary Jay Shah and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju were also present at the inauguration ceremony of the world's largest cricket stadium.
Amit Shah said, "Coupled with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave & Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, a sports complex will also be built in Naranpura. These 3 will be equipped to host any international sports event. Ahmedabad to be known as the 'sports city' of India," ANI reported.
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, who underwent angioplasty last month, was unable to be a part of the inauguration ceremony. He, however, took to social media and wrote, "Will miss being at the stadium today ..what an effort it must have been to create this ..pink test was our dream and it's going be the 2nd one in India".
The occasion will see the 1,10,000 capacity Motera Stadium being half-filled and now, over 50,000 people are expected to grace the pink-ball Test after getting permission to have 50% attendance amid COVID-19 protocols.
The Motera stadium is spread over 63 acres and has a total of 76 corporate boxes, an Olympic-level swimming pool, an indoor academy, four dressing rooms for athletes, and food courts.
