Visakhapatnam: Distinguished athletes and sports personalities were hogged limelight at the national sports day celebrations attended by Education minister Nara Lokesh and others at the Andhra University convention hall here on Friday. Leading the pack was renowned badminton coach P. Gopichand, whose academy has produced several Olympic medalists and world champions. Former cricket captain MSK Prasad, who led the national team's selection committee, was felicitated for his contributions to Indian cricket
Chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy, one of India's strongest female chess players and a former world champion, graced the event and won special recognition. Tennis player Saket Sai Myneni, who represented India in Davis Cup matches, was recognized alongside other accomplished athletes including weightlifter Yerraji Jyothi, E Rajini, D Jyothikasri, Sheikh Zephrin, P Shiva Reddy, and Sathya Geetha. Lokesh expressed his personal admiration for the athletes, stating, "I am a fan of the famous sports personalities here on this stage. I am very proud of their achievements and the way they performed. There’s a lot of sacrifices behind their successes.”
These sports personalities, he noted, are inspirational figures for young people. The minister highlighted the discipline and dedication required for success, saying, "I look at Devansh. We get up at 6am with self-discipline and play chess without waking anyone up in the morning." Lokesh requested the sportsmen present to contribute their expertise to the state's sports development initiatives. The state, he said, would "take the responsibility of giving cash prizes and seat reservations for the achievers in sports.” The ceremony was attended by Union minister Rammohan Naidu, sports minister Mandipalli Ram Prasad Reddy and others.
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