Visakhapatnam: The state government is giving priority to development of sports and is creating best sports infrastructure to nurture talent, said human resources development minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao. Inaugurating the 10-day South Zone Inter-University cricket (men) tournament at Raghu Educational Institutions at Dakamarri on Wednesday, the minister underlined the need for sports literacy along with the academics among the students.
He said the state government has included the sports literacy in the sports policy of the state. “The government has also decided to give weightage in marks for students participating in national and intentional sports events.” The minister advised the students to actively participate in sports, in addition to pursuing studies as sports can help in striking a balance between mental abilities and physical strength, apart from aiding in personality development.
Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University (AU) Prof. G. Nageswara Rao said the varsity has been entrusted with the responsibility of organising the event by the Association of Indian universities New Delhi. In turn, the AU has entrusted the task of organising the event to Raghu Educational Institutions from January 3 to 12. As many as 98 South Indian universities will take part in the tournament which will be held in the knock out one-day international pattern being conducted in 10 venues in Vizag.
Over 1,900 players, coaches and technical officials will be taking part in the event. The teams will be divided into four pools and 40 BCCI, Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) panel umpires will officiate the matches, he added.
