PBL shuttles off with star-studded opening ceremony

The Premier Badminton League (PBL) got off to a colourful start with a star-studded and glittering opening ceremony at the National Sports Club Of India (NSCI) here on Saturday.

With a strong number of celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment filling the stands, the 40-minute programme saw the Indian Badminton League (IBL) re-christened as PBL take off in style.

The gala started when Bollywood actress and Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez danced to the tunes of her famous numbers "Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan", "Hangover" and "Sooraj Dooba Hain" along side young boys and girls.

The performance was followed by music composers Salim and Sulaiman wringing in musical tones on some of their famous tracks -- Chak de India, Band Baja Baraat to name a few -- and the PBL anthem 'Halla Macha De', which is composed by the duo.

PBL brand ambassador and Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was unable to attend the function but will be here on the second day of the tournament on Sunday.

"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.

"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."