The JNTU-K Central Zone Men’s Cricket Tournament was inaugurated at St. Ann’s College of Engineering & Technology, Chirala, according to a statement released on Monday by College Secretary Mr. Vanama Ramakrishna Rao and College Correspondent Mr. Srimanthula Lakshmana Rao.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chirala Constituency MLA Mr. Madduluri Malakondaiah, who participated as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the cricket tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Madduluri Malakondaiah assured his full support and encouragement to sports and sportspersons. He stated that victory and defeat are natural in sports, and urged players to treat defeat as motivation for future success. He emphasized that sports provide recognition and identity, and advised youth to focus on sports along with higher education and employment opportunities to showcase their talents.
Later, College Principal Dr. K. Jagadeesh Babu informed that in the day’s opening match, teams from VKR & VNR Engineering College, Gudivada, and Prakasam Engineering College, Kandukur competed against each other. Prakasam Engineering College, after choosing to bat first, scored 83 runs, while VKR & VNR Engineering College, Gudivada, won the match by two wickets.
Subsequently, Physical Education Lecturer Mr. Annam Srinivasa Rao stated that teams from 51 colleges under the jurisdiction of JNTU-K are participating in the Central Zone Men’s Cricket Tournament. He added that the matches are being conducted at six venues, including the sports grounds of St. Ann’s College, and that two matches per day will be held over the next two days.
The program was attended by Dr. C. Subba Rao (Director – Accreditations), Mr. R. V. Ramana Murthy (Manager – Administration), heads of various departments, faculty members, and students.