Union Minister for Civil Aviation P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Sunday said that cricket helped players build character and also helped tackle the vagaries of life. Speaking at the inaugural function of the Andhra-Kerala Ranji Trophy match at ACA-Dr. P.V.G. Raju Sports Complex at M.V.G.R Engineering College at Chintalavalasa, he, however, expressed his anguish at the recent happenings in Indian cricket and said the quintessential character was not shown in the right spirit. “Cricket has no boundaries and it is a unifying factor. One should play hard amidst camaraderie,” he told the players.
He narrated the gathering how cricket bloomed at Vizianagaram and the role of the town in both Andhra and Indian cricket. “Early on matches were played at Ayodhya maidan, later Sir Vizzi stadium was the venue for several matches, where top class players from the world played. The present one at Chintalavalasa is the latest. In days to come Vizianagaram will also gear up to host an international match,” he promised. He said instead of living on the laurels of the fathers and great grandfathers one should leave his or her own mark in society. He also exhorted the parents to encourage their children to take up sporting activities for good health. Senior cricketer G.J.J. Raju explained the role of Mr. Ashok in both Andhra Cricket Association and Board of Control for Cricket in India. District Collector M. M. Naidu and several cricket administrators from various districts were present.
Cricketer rememberedPlayers of both the teams and match officials observed a two-minute silence in memory of former MP cricketer Rohit Talwar who was taking care Uttar Pradesh cricket activities.
