Vande Mataram Sung Before National Anthem at Cricket Match
Historic moment at India vs Afghanistan T20I, National Song sung first

In a historic moment, Vande Mataram was sung before the National Anthem at an international cricket match for the first time. This unprecedented event occurred at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, before the start of India's opening T20I against Afghanistan.
The three-match T20I series began with this unusual moment, as the two teams lined up on the field before the start of the match. The crowd witnessed a unique display of patriotism as the National Song was sung, followed by the National Anthem.
This move is seen as a way to promote patriotism and national pride among the citizens. The decision to sing Vande Mataram before the National Anthem was likely made to emphasize the importance of the National Song and its significance in Indian culture.
Vande Mataram, which translates to 'I bow to thee, Mother', is a poem written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1870. It was adopted as the National Song of India in 1950 and is considered a symbol of national pride and unity.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly known as the Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, has hosted numerous international cricket matches in the past. However, this moment marked a first in the history of Indian cricket, as Vande Mataram was sung before the National Anthem.
The match between India and Afghanistan was a highly anticipated event, with cricket fans from both countries eagerly waiting to see their teams in action. The singing of Vande Mataram added to the excitement and patriotism of the moment, setting the tone for a thrilling match.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on promoting national pride and patriotism in India. This move to sing Vande Mataram before the National Anthem is seen as a part of this effort, aiming to instill a sense of national unity and pride among the citizens.
The reaction of the crowd and the players to this historic moment is yet to be seen, but it is likely to be a topic of discussion among cricket fans and patriots alike. As India continues to promote national pride and unity, such moments are likely to become more common in the future.
In conclusion, the singing of Vande Mataram before the National Anthem at the India vs Afghanistan T20I match marked a historic moment in Indian cricket. It highlighted the importance of national pride and unity, and is likely to be remembered as a significant event in the history of Indian sports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of Vande Mataram in Indian culture?
Vande Mataram is the National Song of India and is considered a symbol of national pride and unity.
Where was the historic moment of Vande Mataram being sung before the National Anthem witnessed?
The historic moment was witnessed at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.