Mirth, merriment fill IGMC stadium during legislators’ sports meet in Andhra Pradesh

MLAs and MLCs in sports costumes participate in Legislators’ Sports Meet at IGMC stadium in Vijayawada.

Mirth and merriment filled the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) stadium in Vijayawada on Tuesday as MLAs and MLCs, dressed in sports costumes, participated in various games as part of the Legislators’ Sports Meet. 

Inaugurating the sports meet, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu said the concept of organising sports meets for public representatives was initiated in the State by former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao wished to promote sports in a big way.  

Noting that public representatives are usually occupied with their work, the Speaker said they should put their phones aside and enjoy themselves for at least three days.  

The legislators participated in cricket, throwball, badminton, tug of war and volleyball, among others. The stadium reverberated with cheers as the boisterous teams of Minister Nadendla Manohar, TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao and Sports Minister M. Ramprasad Reddy won the three cricket matches, seven overs each, played on Tuesday.  

Assembly Speaker Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu’s team won the volleyball game against Sports Minister M. Ram Prasad Reddy’s team, while Allagadda MLA Bhuma Akhila Priya’s team won the throwball game against Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha’s team. The tug of war between men and women was won by the women’s team.  

Later, Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy told The Hindu that such sports meets would be held every year. “The previous government neglected the sports sector. The purpose of organising such events is to not only provide some relief to legislators from their busy schedules, but also to make them understand the importance of sports and culture. It is only when they understand that they can promote sports in their respective constituencies,” said Mr. Reddy, adding that the event was being held after a gap of six years.  

Talking to the media in between matches, Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, whose team won a game of cricket, said the event, being organised by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh, has provided the much-needed relief to many of them.