It was batting for a different cause! N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, president of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, went down memory lane wielding the willow to formally inaugurate the fifth edition of Rajiv Gandhi T-20 All India Invitation Cricket Tournament at Amberpet Waterworks Ground here on Sunday.
Taking time off from his hectic schedule, the TPCC president clearly enjoyed going out in the middle and trying to ‘hit back’ a few deliveries.
“This is a wonderful objective to promote young talent from those sections of the society which otherwise may not get a chance to showcase their skills in such an all India tournament.” Mr. Reddy said.
“The fact that former MP Hanumantha Rao organises this event every year without taking any financial help from either the HCA or the State government not only shows his passion for the sport, but his intense desire to pay a fitting tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi,” the the TPCC chief said.
“There is an urgent need to improve infrastructure in the interiors of all the districts by the State government,” he said.
“I was told that fast bowler Mohd Siraj was one of those who caught the attention of the critics playing in this tournament a couple of years ago. I wish many more talented cricketers will emerge from this edition too,” Mr. Reddy said.
For his part, Mr. Hanumantha Rao, who donned the role of a wicket keeper when Mr. Reddy batted for a while, promised to make the event even bigger and attractive in the next editions. “I am thankful to all the participating teams, especially those from Sri Lanka who have come all the way to take part in it,” he said.
“We will plan to host this event next time in the districts as well,” he concluded.
