Vijayawada: The stage was set on Friday with energetic beats of the ‘Aadudam Andhra’ anthem that echoed through the IGMC Stadium, and 'Kittu' the lively mascot adorned the venue, for the upcoming mega sports festival here.
State sports minister RK Roja, SAAP (sports authority of AP) chairman Byreddy Siddharth Reddy and principal secretary PS Pradyumna graced the occasion.
Explaining the motto behind the ‘Aadudam Andhra’ sporting festival launched by the state government, Minister Roja said the aim was to encourage the youth to participate in sports and help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. “The aim is also to identify sports talent, particularly from the rural backdrop, and provide them with the best platform / resources to excel at national and international levels."
Giving the details of the campaign, Roja informed, "Knock-out competitions will be held for five sports, including cricket, kho-kho, kabaddi, badminton and volleyball, separately for both genders -- men and women -- across the state at five levels. The tournaments will culminate with state-level competitions."
Encouraging all citizens of the state above 15 years of age to participate in large numbers, the minister explained the registration process and stated, “In order to participate, individuals can register at aadudamandhra.ap.gov.in, or dial the toll-free 1902 number, or visit the nearest Gram/Ward secretariat.”
She said comprehensive arrangements were made by the state government, ensuring the successful conduct of a record 3 lakh matches in 50 days. Detailing the sports kits provided by the state government to the participants, Roja added, “Registered players will receive basic kits at ward/village secretariats and professional kits at the mandal level to ensure that all participants have equitable resources to display their talent.”
“The top players and teams playing at the constituency, district and state levels will be given cash prizes. The total pool money for the prices is '12,000 crore,” Roja said.
Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) chairman Byreddy Siddharth Reddy stated, “The participants shall also be rewarded with trophies, medals and professional training by interested sports academies.”
Declaring Aadudam Andhra as AP's largest sporting event, Siddharth Reddy said, “The government is expecting a participation of 85 lakh to one crore people. Ten thousand playing grounds across 15,000 ward/village secretariats have been prepared for more than 3 lakh sports events. The event will be facilitated by ward/village volunteers, who are being trained as match referees.”
Providing support for cricket enthusiasts, Reddy announced that “the AP government is looking forward to making a collaboration with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings FOR training at exclusive IPL franchise-run academies.”
