Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia's Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, are poised to witness the thrilling showdown of the World Cup cricket final between India and Australia in Ahmedabad this Sunday, headlining a cadre of esteemed personalities gracing the event. Set against the backdrop of the resplendent Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera, the highly anticipated clash promises an illustrious gathering with the presence of Bollywood luminaries, political dignitaries, cricket players' families, and an array of VIPs, amplifying the grandeur of the occasion.
Ahead of the momentous match, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar to meticulously oversee security and other pivotal arrangements for the event. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be in attendance at the match on Sunday. Chief Minister Patel conducted a comprehensive review of security measures and logistical preparations with top officials," stated a press release from the State government.
Richard Marles, who also holds the portfolio of Australia's Defence Minister, originally slated to attend the India-Australia 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting in Delhi on November 20, is now rerouting his schedule to be present in Ahmedabad to cheer for the Australian team, despite his current bilateral engagements in Indonesia.
In anticipation of the massive turnout of over a lakh spectators, stringent security measures have been bolstered in the city and the precincts around the Motera stadium. A contingent of 4,500 personnel comprising local law enforcement and additional forces will be deployed to ensure the smooth execution of the event, encompassing security provisions for the grounds, teams, VIP attendees, and traffic management.
Ahead of the much-anticipated face-off, the Indian Air Force's renowned Surya Kiran aerobatics team is slated to enthrall spectators with an exhilarating air show, setting the stage for the thrilling final showdown.
While the Indian team arrived in Ahmedabad on Thursday, their Australian counterparts touched down on Friday, gearing up for what promises to be a gripping contest on the cricket field.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared the camaraderie of attending a cricket match during the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The match, constituting the fourth leg of the series, was held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
This visit marks the second high-profile event in Gujarat where a prominent Australian figure is visiting the state. Previously, Australia's Education Minister Jason Clare MP and India's Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated the campuses of two Australian universities at GIFT City in Gandhinagar earlier this month. The presence of Deakin University and University of Wollongong campuses in GIFT City signifies a strengthened educational partnership between the two nations.
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