The ultra-modern Sports Complex of Jamia Millia Islamia was, on Saturday, named after former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and one of the pavilions after hard-hitting former India opener Virender Sehwag, an alumnus of the university.
According to a press release, Pataudi’s wife Sharmila Tagore unveiled a plaque naming the Sports Complex after her late husband, popularly known as Tiger Pataudi, at a function attended by Sehwag, Jamia vice chancellor professor Talat Ahmad and senior faculty members, officials and students of the university.
The complex was earlier known as Bhopal Ground as the land on which it is located was donated to the university by Pataudi’s mother Sajida Sultan, the Begum of Bhopal.
Speaking on the occasion, Sharmila said, “Indian Cricket at the moment was in a state of considerable reflection. It was blessed with resources in terms of players and infrastructure. However, some big questions remained, keeping in mind the situation we are in today, I have no doubt Tiger would have said ‘put the sport first and foremost at the centre of every decision you take’.”
Ahmad talked about the contribution made by Pataudi to the game and said he was one of the most successful captains India has seen.
Sehwag, who had graduated from Jamia Millia in 2001-02, remembered his days in the university and asked the students to take interest in sports.
The Sports Complex has indoor facilities, a cricket ground, a football field, basketball and lawn tennis courts. It has also hosted first-class cricket matches.
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