A.P. legislators kick off sports meet with friendly competitions in Vijayawada

After the successful conduct of A.P. Legislators Sports Meet, the Sports Authority of A.P. (SAAP) has returned with its second edition this year in Vijayawada. The public gathered at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) stadium on Tuesday to see their elected representatives exhibit their talent in the field of sports.

The MLAs and MLCs, clad in purple t-shirts, engaged in friendly games of tug of war, volleyball, kabaddi, atheletics on the first day of the sports meet. The audience cheered as the team led by A.P. Assembly Deputy Speaker K. Raghurama Krishna Raju defeated the team led by Assembly Speaker Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu in a single pull in the tug of war.

Earlier, inaugurating the event in the evening, Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu said the competitions were being held to provide relief from the daily grind for legislators. “Legislators are under constant stress, outside and at home. Such events provide the much-needed break,” he said.

“I was a first-time MLA when former Chief Minister late N.T. Rama Rao spoke about the necessity of organising such events. It continued for a few years then. It is a great pleasure to be resuming these events once again,” said Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu. He said that there would be a cultural programme and prize distribution ceremony on the last day of the Assembly sessions.

Later, A.P. Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshen Raju pointed out that such events were important to maintain cordial relations among legislators.

After the event was held last year, many legislators encouraged sportspersons and promoted sports back home in their constituencies, said SAAP Chairman A. Ravi Naidu.

This year, the competitions are being organised across 14 categories and also for different age groups. On the first day, in the men’s athletics (100 m) under-50 category, Parvathipuram MLA B. Vijay Chandra secured the first place. In the 50+ category, TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao emerged the winne.

In women’s athletics (100m) under-50 section, MLC Kavali Greeshma begged top position. The three-day event will conclude on February 26.