Gautam Gambhir proposes to rename Yamuna Sports Complex after Arun Jaitley

Former Indian cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir on Monday proposed to rename the Yamuna Sports Complex, located in New Delhi, after former union minister Arun Jaitley, who died on Saturday at AIIMS, Delhi.

"I am writing this letter to propose to your good self to rename Yamuna Sports Complex situated in my Lok Sabha constituency in the name of eminent lawyer, our great leader and former finance minister Arun Jaitley," Gambhir, the East Delhi MP, wrote in his letter to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal.

Giving a mention about Jaitley's association with sports, the cricketer-turned-politician said, "For his contribution to nation-building and his love for cricket, it is only fair that a facility like this should be named in his memory. This may be our humble gesture in contributing to his incredible legacy".

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May he remain in our hearts forever. As a mark of respect to our beloved leader, I hereby propose to rename “Yamuna Sports Complex” as “Arun Jaitley Sports Complex” #RiPJaitleySir pic.twitter.com/ooK95RZHiQ

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 26, 2019

Earlier on Saturday, Gambhir condoled the untimely demise of Jaitley and termed him a "father figure". Taking to Twitter, the former cricketer wrote, "A father teaches u to speak but a father figure teaches u to talk. A father teaches u to walk but a father figure teaches u to march on. A father gives u a name but a father figure gives u an identity. A part of me is gone with my Father Figure Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. RIP Sir".

Apart from politics and law, cricket administration was another hat Jaitley wore in public life, showcasing his ability to juggle between roles, that too with quiet efficiency. In 1999, he took over as the president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) and will be always remembered for his effort to eradicate a legacy of corruption and ineptitude. During his youth days at the Shri Ram College of Commerce, the BJP stalwart also used to play cricket and was a medium-pacer.

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Gambhir, who joined the BJP before the Lok Sabha polls and won the East Delhi seat with a huge margin, was very close to Jaitley. Besides being party colleagues, the two also shared a personal bond with each other.

Jaitley, 66, breathed hia last at Delhi AIIMS after battling multiple health issues for the last several months. He had been admitted to the hospital since August 9 and was undergoing treatment for several ailments, including breathlessness. He survived by his wife Sangeeta Jaitley, daughter Sonali Jaitley and son Rohan Jaitley.