Govt will develop city as sports hub, says Minister

Rajamahendravaram: Minister for Sports and Tourism Avanthi Srinivas has stressed the need to promotes sports. Poverty and illiteracy cannot be a hurdle for the youth to participate in sports events, he has said.

Participating on the last day of 6th State Junior Inter District Championshps-2019 held on the premises of the government college grounds here on Sunday, the Minister said the government was keen on encouraging rural youth to increasingly participate in sports and games.

The government announced an incentive of Rs 1.30 crore to the sportsmen who bagged medals in their respective sports fields. An amount of Rs 5 lakh was given to gold medal winner, Rs 3 lakh to silver medal winners and Rs 2 lakh for bronze medal winners.

Steps would be taken to develop the historical city as a sports hub to bring past glory to it, he said. Elected representatives, teachers and parents should also encourage children to participate in sports and games, Srinivas said.

MP Margani Bharat Ram said as many as 1,200 sportsmen participated in the three-day competitions. He underlined the need to allot more money for sports. An international stadium is coming up in the city with all facilities, he revealed.

Later, the Minister distributed prizes to the winners. Rajanagaram MLA Jakkampudi Raja, Sub-Collector Ravirala Mahesh Kumarm, Commissioner Abishkit Kishore and others were present.