VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy acted as cricket coach for tourism and sports minister RK Roja on Tuesday, giving her a few tips on facing the deliveries. The occasion was the launch of Aadudam Andhra in Guntur on Tuesday.
First, the chief minister Jagan faced a few balls after starting the sports event. Later, he invited Roja to face a few deliveries. Jagan Mohan Reddy gave a few tips to the minister, who promptly followed them and played a few shots.
Jagan taught Roja how to hold the bat and what the batting position should be. She was also given tips on how to face the balls.
Minister Roja understood what the chief minister taught her and acted accordingly. She faced a few balls and played a few balls. The CM was impressed and he appreciated her actions with loud claps.
Another interesting sight was of Jagan Reddy played a few deliveries by donning a bat. Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh chairman Byreddy Siddharth Reddy turned a bowler and flexed his arms. Minister Roja turned wicketkeeper.
The chief minister went around the ground and mingled with the players, interacting with them and examining the kits. He also played badminton with the players for a while.
Madhurawada Zone Chandrampalem High School organised the 'Aadudam Andhra' programme in which former minister Muthamshetty Srinivasa Rao, MLA of Bheemili constituency, was present as the chief guest.
In the programme, Avanti inaugurated the sports flag, released the balloons as a symbol of freedom and played volleyball for a while.
On the occasion, Avanti said, “Chief minister Jagan Reddy has announced the 'Adudam Andhra' programme to recognize the sports talent among the rural youth and inculcate sports spirit in them.”
While speaking about the 'Aadudam Andhra' programme, Avanti said this programme was like a sports festival for the youths at the village and ward levels. The CM aimed to groom national level players from remote areas of AP, he said.
Anantapur PTC grounds turned colourful with players of various sectors during the launch of Aadudam Andhra, the exclusive sports and games programme of the state government, on Tuesday.
On the occasion of the Aadudam Andhra at the PTC grounds, international sport stars Viswanath Chowdary and G Rajeswari were felicitated by Anantapur MP, T Rangaiah, MLA Ananta Venkatrami Reddy and others prior to kick-starting the exclusive event.
Rangaiah called on the people of all ages to take part in the event. Collector Gowthami said the event would be conducted for 47 days from Dec 26 to Feb 10 and that the events have started at the constituency level.
Urban MLA Ananta Venkatrami Reddy stressed the need for youths to participate in the programme, saying the state government “is firm on moulding youths against the drugs and illicit cultures. “The state government is spending more than Rs 100 crore on this endeavour,” he observed.
Godavari districts: The much-anticipated "Aadudam Andhra" sports program unleashed its vibrant energy in erstwhile East and West Godavari, kicking off with a 2K marathon run in Kakinada. Civil supplies minister Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao, flagging off the event, lauded Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's vision to unearth rural and urban sporting talent while promoting healthy lifestyles. He emphasized the program's festive spirit, spanning 47 days from village to state level, ultimately paving the way for national and international sporting glory.
Women taking lead: Kakinada echoed the programme's inclusivity, with district collector Kritika Shukla highlighting the participation of 45,000 women athletes, a testament to the program's focus on breaking barriers. MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy also joined in, officially inaugurating the festivities.
