Visakhapatnam: The 47-day sports extravaganza 'Aadudam Andhra' concluded here by bringing out the hidden talents of the rural youth and helping them shine in sports events.
Besides giving the participants sports kits worth Rs 37 crore, the State government instituted cash prizes worth Rs 12.21 crore to winners at various levels.
Addressing the grand finale at the Dr YSR International Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday evening, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy stated that the Aadudam Andhra sports festival helped identify the latent talent among the rural youth.
Addressing the gathering before giving away the cash prizes, he said that the government was committed to encourage sports and help the youth shine in national and international sports events. He gave away mementos and cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each to the winning teams at the State level in rocket, kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball and Rs 2 lakh to the winning team in badminton. The government under the programme conducted 3.30 lakh, 1.24 lakh, 7346, 1731 and 260 sports events respectively at village, mandal, constituency, district and State level as part of the festival, he said, adding 14 youth were identified to have exceptional talents in cricket, kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball and badminton.
The Chief Minister said that Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), Pro-Kabaddi, AP Kho-kho Association and other sports associations have decided to adopt and train them further for sharpening their skills.
