Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy formally re-launched Sportstar magazine with a new look in the presence of distinguished sports personalities from the twin cities at a function here on Wednesday evening.
“This magazine comes from the group which owns The Hindu which I believe is the most newsworthy newspaper in the country,” the Chief Minister said. “This is a media group which is known for its reputation and quality. I will be a regular reader of the magazine,” he said at the function here on Wednesday.
“ Sportstar has been known for its in-depth coverage over the years, not just focussing on cricket but all other disciplines,” Mr. Reddy said. “Well, many distinguished sports personalities who were present here said that getting featured in the magazine meant an extended career in sports. But I was not that fortunate during my playing days (the Chief Minister had led Hyderabad under-22 cricket team),” he remarked.
The Chief Minister said his government would soon issue a GO making it compulsory for all schools to devote one period for sports daily. A sports policy would be worked out after discussions with eminent sportspersons in the country, he said, adding that it would be a model for other States.
G. Vinod, president of HCA, said he had always been an ardent reader of not just The Hindu , but also Sportstar .
Test cricketer V.V.S. Laxman described Sportstar as the most respected and reputed magazine.
“As a kid I always dreamt of being featured in the magazine. It is great that this is now coming out with a refined and classy look,” he said.
Triple Olympian Nandnuri Mukesh Kumar said that to see one’s name and picture in the Sportstar was always the ultimate dream of every sportsperson. He had the select gathering in splits when he remarked that if one were featured in the magazine it was almost certain that his career got extended by a year. “Such is the value of this magazine and I have great memories of it since my early days,” he commented.
Big motivation: Mithali
Indian women’s cricket captain Mithali Raj said that Sportstar had always carried inspirational stories. “It keeps you going and has always been a big motivation,” she said.
Former India volleyball captain and Arjuna Awardee V. Ravikanth Reddy recalled how desperate he was to buy a copy of the Sportstar when the magazine featured the State team on winning the Junior Nationals.
True values
Former India football captain Victor Amalraj said that the magazine always stood for true values.
Promising table tennis player Nikhat Banu felt honoured on being invited to attend the function.
