Batting legend and Mumbai Masters' owner Sunil Gavaskar Friday said it would be thrilling to watch his team's icon and World No.1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in action at the Indian Badminton League (IBL) to be held Aug 14-31.
"I am absolutely delighted that Mumbai Masters have got the players they wanted. Lee Chong Wei has been the No.1 player for a few years now and it is not easy to maintain the ranking since there are so many new players coming through every year," Gavaskar said in a statement.
"His speed is incredible and there is no doubt that he is the fastest player on court. It is going to be a great thrill to be able to watch him in action."
Commenting on the shuttlers acquired by the Mumbai team, including three-time All England champion Tine Baun of Denmark, Gavaskar said, "Tine Baun has shown what tenacity and perseverance can do. There is no one who works harder than her and it shows in her results."
"I am also looking forward to watch Marc Zwiebler, Vladimir Ivanov and the Indian players in action. I am certain that there will be huge entertainment for badminton lovers, watching these players in action."
Commenting from his training camp in Hong Kong, World No.1 Lee said, "I'm looking forward to meeting Mr. Gavaskar and my teammates. I will try to do my best for the team."
Lee also mentioned that watching a cricket match on the sidelines of the IBL was on his wish-list.
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"I am curious to witness a cricket match. Hopefully, I will get an opportunity on this trip," the two-time Olympic silver medallist said.
Zwiebler, the reigning European champion from Germany, said, "I'm very excited to play in the IBL. The format is interesting because it gives us players the chance to promote our sport in one of the biggest countries in the world and at the same time I am sure we will meet new friends and take home a lot of new experiences."
The $1 million tourney kicks off Aug 14 with a tie between Delhi Smashers and Pune Pistons.