PHOTOS: Dazzling opening ceremony kicks off inaugural IBL

The million-dollar Indian Badminton League (IBL) kicked off on Wednesday with a glittering opening ceremony even as Krrish Delhi Smashers clashed with the Pune Pistons in the tournament opener, in New Delhi.

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It was a colourful show of laser lights, acrobatics, Bollywood songs and dance as the half-an-hour opening ceremony started the proceedings at the Siri Fort Sports complex.

Flags of different franchises were carried by women inside big bubbles and acrobatics were performed by artists who used big size circles and cubes to showcase their skills,
enthralling the sparse crowd.

The stage was next taken by Neeti Mohan, who sang 'Jiyare Jiyare' from the movie Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Earlier, six players, including Saina Nehwal, Jwala Gutta and Parupalli Kashyap took oath before the Badminton Association of India (BAI) president Akhilesh Das Gupta, who
announced the tournament open.