Followers throng Narendra Modi Stadium in the course of the ICC Males’s Cricket World Cup 2023 last match between India and Australia, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023.
| Picture Credit score: ANI
The huge Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera in Ahmedabad on November 19 was on the centre of a large buzz created by a sea of blue in anticipation of India emphatically defeating the Australians and lifting the Cricket World Cup.
An ideal complement was world famend Surya Kiran, the aerobatic crew of the Indian Air Drive, comprising 9 aircrafts, proudly owning the sky with a 10-minute air present forward of the sport that enthralled spectators within the stadium in addition to the tons of who lined up terraces of properties.
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Whereas hundreds of followers transferring in direction of the 1.32 lakh capability stadium have been already dressed within the blue jerseys of the Indian cricket crew, others have been seen making final minute purchases from distributors dotting the roads resulting in the venue.
Aside from jerseys, the Tricolour, conventional Indian headgear like ‘pagdis’ in saffron, white and inexperienced, in addition to masks of grasp batter ‘King’ Virat Kohli and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been promoting like sizzling truffles.
Many followers have been getting their faces painted within the three colors of the flag from kids who have been charging ₹50 every.
Your entire space reverberated with chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘India Jeetega’, lending a pageant environment unparalleled within the cricketing world and for that matter most sporting occasions.
The group included few Australians, in addition to overseas nationals eager to soak within the environment of cricket in a nation loopy concerning the sport.
Whereas Ben, who was carrying the Indian jersey, got here all the best way from New Zealand, Ferdenand from South Africa had painted his face in saffron, white and inexperienced to help Rohit Sharma and his crew that has remained unconquered within the match up to now.
“I’m a South African. I got here right here as a result of I’m an enormous fan of the Indian cricket crew. Regardless of who wins right this moment, it is going to be an epic battle as a result of each groups are robust. However if you happen to ask me, I’d say India has extra possibilities of victory.” stated Ferdenand.
One Vinay Agarwal, who had painted Nepalese flag on his cheek, stated he had come from the Himalayan nation to help neighbour India.
Followers began making their method in direction of the realm the place the big stadium is located proper from the morning, a lot of them from Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara in Gujarat, in addition to cities like Pune in Maharastra.
“Now we have come right here from Pune. We’re so completely satisfied that India is within the last. Since all our gamers are in type, we’re 100 per cent assured India will raise the trophy” stated Arun Extra who turned up alongside along with his group, all in Peshwa-style headgear.
“Age is only a quantity. So long as I’m able to stroll, I’ll come to observe the Indian cricket crew. I’m an enormous fan of Virat Kohli. I’m assured nothing can cease India from successful the World Cup,” stated 70-year-old Sukhbir Singh from Punjab.
Ahmedabad changing into the centre of the cricketing world and the passions the sport ignites has additionally meant lodge tariffs have gone by way of the roof, with a number of rooms being given out at greater than 10 occasions the traditional charge.
Some have stumble on the thought of driving all the way down to the town in a single day simply in time for the match to keep away from such costly lodge stays.
“As a substitute of paying Rs 50,000 for one evening’s (lodge) keep, we employed a taxi and reached right here this morning. We are going to return dwelling as quickly because the match is over. This can be less expensive,” stated Arun Sharma, who’s right here to with a bunch of associates from Haryana to observe the sport.
One Bansilal Dantani, a metropolis resident who lives an ascetic life, turned an prompt hit amongst followers as quickly as he reached close to the stadium with a 10-foot tall cutout of PM Modi for folks to take selfies.
“Throughout a cricket match performed right here (previous Motera stadium) in 1994, I jumped in and ran in direction of Kapil Dev to congratulate him after India gained the match. My solely want is to fulfill Kapil Dev once more. Right this moment, since Modi and Kapil Dev are right here, India will certainly win the match as a result of luck is on our aspect,” stated Dantani.
Greater than 60 personnel have been deployed to supply safety in the course of the day, together with these from the Gujarat police and the Fast Motion Drive, the CRPF’s elite riot and crowd management unit.