President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday inaugurated the world's largest cricket stadium - Narendra Modi Stadium, at Motera in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. Spread over 63 acres, the refurbished Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera can accommodate an awe-inspiring 1.32 lakh spectators. According to the reports, stadium has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore and with a seating capacity for 1,32,000 spectators.


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Giving specifics of the enormous structure, the centre stated that the stadium has surpassed the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground which can accommodate 90,000. Moreover, the total area is equivalent to 32 Olympic size soccer fields put together. It is to be noted that the last time Team India met England at  Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad in 2012, India won by 9 wickets.


Earlier today, President Kovind and his wife performed 'bhumi pujan' of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Ahmedabad's Motera in the the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of State for Sports KiranRijiju, Governor Acharya Devvrat and other dignitaries. He performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the sports complex in the stadium for disciplines like football, hockey, basketball, kabbadi, boxing, and lawn tennis among others. Later the President unveiled the cricket venue by virtual inauguration of the Motera Stadium.


Speaking at the inauguration event, Union Home Miniter Amit Shah said, "coupled with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, a sports complex will also be built in Naranpura. These 3 will be equipped to host any international sports event. Ahmedabad to be known as the 'sports city' of India."


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Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed gratitude. "Not just for cricket but it's a proud moment for India. Besides being the largest cricket stadium, it's also one of the most modern stadiums in the world. Ahmedabad is turning out to be the 'sports city' of the country," the union minister noted.