Minister for Endowments Pydikondala Manikyala Rao said that Rajahmundry will emerge as a sports hub as it was staging many national championships and it was also gearing up to host international events as well.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the 76th Cadet and Sub-Junior National and Inter-State Table Tennis Championships here at Cherukuri Kalyana Mandapam on Monday, the Minister said about 600 players, 50 officials and parents from different parts of the country will receive the hospitality of the city known as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh.
He recalled the players from Rajahmundry have played a crucial role in promotion of the game in the national and international levels. He named the players like Achanta Sarat Kamal, Rajat Kamal, Sri Lakshmi and Rahul, all natives of Rajahmundry, brining laurels to the country in several premier tournaments.
Table Tennis Federation of India secretary general Dhanraj Chowdary lauded the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh Table Tennis Association for organising the championship in a bustling city like Rajahmundry. He praised APTTA president V. Bhaskar Ram for providing excellent hospitality and playing conditions.
He expressed hope that the future events would be conducted in a well-equipped indoor stadium with modern facilities. Mr Bhaskar Ram thanked his organising committee for organising the championship. He said 15 tables were being used with STAG equipment.
Rajahmundry MLA Akula Satyannarayana, Mayor Pantam Rajani Sesha Sai and BJP national executive council member Somu Veerraju and APTTA secretary A.M. Sultan were among those present.
