AP Legislatures Sports Meet 2026 Begins on an Enthusiastic Note

P Legislatures Sports Meet 2026 Begins on an Enthusiastic Note

Vijayawada, February 24, 2025:
The three-day AP Legislatures Sports Meet 2026 for MLAs and MLCs commenced on Tuesday at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium with enthusiasm and unity. Legislative Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu and Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshen Raju inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and unveiling the sports, national, and Assembly flags.

Addressing the gathering, Speaker Ayyannapatrudu said sports provide much-needed mental relaxation for public representatives who are constantly engaged with people and legislative responsibilities. He clarified that the event is purely a sporting platform with no scope for politics. Recalling that the tradition of organizing sports for legislators was initiated in 1983 by former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao, he said the current initiative draws inspiration from that legacy.

The Speaker noted that nearly 78 percent of the present Assembly comprises young MLAs, whose energy would strengthen the competitions. He invited the public to attend and encourage their representatives. He also shared personal memories of playing volleyball in his youth and mentioned that N.T. Rama Rao had encouraged him to enter politics after watching his game. The Speaker further said that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had suggested that MLAs attend the closing ceremony with their families, where cultural programmes and prize distribution will be held.

Legislative Council Chairman Moshen Raju appreciated the revival of the sports tradition, stating that such events help relieve work-related stress and foster camaraderie among public representatives beyond party lines. He emphasized the need to revive rural sports and promote the importance of sports in schools. Participation by legislators, he said, would inspire youth and students and serve as a foundation for producing athletes from district to international levels.

SAAP Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu said the sports competitions were being organized under the guidance of the Speaker and that the government had decided to conduct the event on a larger scale than previous years. An eight-member committee is overseeing the arrangements. He added that efforts are underway, under the leadership of Minister Nara Lokesh, to transform Andhra Pradesh into a sports hub.

The event was attended by Legislative Secretary General Suryadevara Prasanna Kumar, Deputy Speaker K. Raghurama Krishna Raju, Government Whips G.V. Anjaneyulu and P. Anuradha, SAAP Vice Chairman and Managing Director S. Bharani, and other officials.