The city will be developed into an international sports hub soon, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao has said.
Inaugurating the three-day state-level men and women CM Cup football tournament at the port diamond jubilee stadium on Monday, the Minister said proposals had been sent for approval of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for building three stadiums in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati, adding that the government was committed to encouraging sportspersons in the rural areas in a big way.
Athletic tracks
“Efforts are on to lay athletic tracks of international standards at all universities. We are also focussing on providing healthcare and medicines to the players,” Mr. Srinivasa Rao said.
Speaking to the players, he said that apart from academics, sports play an important role to keep one mentally and physically fit.
Cash awards for winners
Disclosing the plans for the rural areas, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said mini stadia will be constructed at all mandal headquarters to draw more talent to sports.
“Players from rural areas will be given ₹5 lakh if they win gold medal in national level tournaments, ₹3 lakh to those who win silver and ₹2 lakh for bronze medal winners,” he announced.
He said the CM cup tournaments would be organised in various sports and games in every district in the State.
Men and women players representing all the districts and 60 coaches are participating in the tournament. The winners of such tournaments will be presented trophies by the Chief Minister in Vijayawada after the conclusion of the tournaments.
Collector V. Vinay Chand said the football tournament was being held in Visakhapantam as per directive of the Chief Minister. He urged the youth to utilise the opportunity.
Legislative Council Whip Ummareddy Venkateswarlu said youth should do well in both academics and sports. He said that such tournament were a good opportunity for the spot talent from rural areas.
VMRDA Chairman Dronamraju Srinivasa Rao, City Police Commissioner R.K. Meena and others were present on the occasion.
