India, Sept. 22 -- A special moment preceded India's historic first international cricket match against Japan national cricket team as Vande Mataram, India's National Song, was played before the National Anthem at the Sano International Cricket Ground. It marked the first time the National Song was played before an Indian men's national cricket match on foreign soil.

The song has also featured during India's recent home fixtures. Vande Mataram was played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi before India's first T20I against Afghanistan earlier this month. The development comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification earlier this year concerning the National Song.

Why Was Vande Mataram Played at the Asia Open?

Vande...