AME Sports Private Limited, keen to provide the all-important encouragement to kabaddi players in the 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh, is staging Andhra Premier Kabaddi League, both in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam in January next year, according to company president Himabindu Reddy here on Sunday.
Taking part in the logo release of the event, she said that the tournament will help win the hearts of the sporting public of the State, especially the rural areas. “Players who perform well in the league will stand a chance to represent Andhra Pradesh in the other premier national events. This league also provides players an opportunity to play in the competitive environment.”
Ms. Reddy said that the company has signed a pact with the Andhra Kabaddi Association for five years to stage the event.
Andhra Pradesh Kabaddi Association secretary Veeralankaiah said the Pro kabaddi, which is telecast in a prime sports channel, is the second most-watched sport on television after cricket. “It has succeeded in catching the eye balls of many and kabaddi is fast growing as the most-sought-after sport with new addition of thrills and frills.”
Mr. Veeralankaiah said that eight teams would be selected after a selection process in the 13 districts. “This tournament will be held for 16 days and 32 matches will be featured. It will be held from January 27 to February 13, 2018 and they will be held at DRRMC Indoor Stadium in Vijayawada on synthetic mats. The venue for Vizag will be decided soon.”
Minister for Sports Kollu Ravindra, who released the logo, said that the ministry would offer all necessary help for the successful conduct of the mega event. “Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was promoting games and sports in big way and the State government has introduced a new sports policy as well.” He said the Brahmananda Reddy Stadium in Guntur will be renovated with a budget of ₹150 crore under the public-private partnership.