Premier Badminton League: Star-studded opening ceremony kicks off tourney

New Delhi: The Premier Badminton League (PBL) got off to a bright start with a star-studded and colourful opening ceremony at the National Sports Club Of India (NSCI) in Mumbai on Saturday.

There were celebrities from both sports and entertainment fraternities attending the gala affair.

The 40-minute programme saw the earlier named Indian Badminton League (IBL) re-christened as PBL take off in style.

Famous Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez danced to the tunes of her famous movie numbers.

Bollywood music composers Salim and Sulaiman who have written the anthem of the PBL named 'Halla Macha De', performed next alongside some of their compositions from their work in cinema.

The tournament's brand ambassador and Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar was unable to attend the function but will be here on the second day of the tournament on Sunday.

PBL chairman Akhilesh Das Gupta thanked everyone involved in the tournament for their support.

"I proudly want to welcome all of you to the PBL. We wanted to come together and bring forward some good matches. I thank the franchises, owners, supporters and all for their outstanding support," PBL chairman Akhilesh Das Gupta said.

He confirmed that Akshay Kumar will be present for the entire duration on Sunday.

"I also specially thank Akshay Kumar for being the brad ambassador of the league. He could not be here today. Tomorrow he will be here for the entire duration. I am certain the PBL will be one of the best leagues as far as sport is concerned."