In many ways, the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune is a repository of nostalgia. In the many buildings that have hosted sports like boxing, badminton, kabaddi and even kho kho, hang hoardings, fresh and faded.
From the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, to the 2023 Tata Open Maharashtra tennis event, it has witnessed some important sporting moments.
On Sunday, a new set of hoardings decorated the venue, the football stadium in particular. Giant banners read out proudly the name of an elite competition that will see its group stage games be played on Indian soil for the first time in front of the home fans. The AFC Champions League – the premier men’s club football competition in Asia.
Mumbai City FC, the Indian Super League’s League Shield winners from the 2022-23 season, will represent India in the contest, with their first match taking place on September 18, when they host Iranian…
