Sports

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) president and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) said that the Andhra Premier League (APL) is being developed not merely as a cricket tournament but as a platform promoting sports, entertainment, tourism, and economic development across the State. Sivanath announced that the APL 2026 tournament will be held across three venues-Vizag, Kadapa, and Mangalagiri from June 9 to 30. He said that while previous editions of the league were largely confined to Vizag, the year 2026 tournament has been expanded, allowing cricket fans from different regions to watch matches live. Chinni said the opening matches will be played in Vizag, the middle phase of the tournament in Kadapa, and the semifinals, final, and other key matches in Mangalagiri. Seven teams will participate in APL 2026, he added. “Extensive modernisation works are being carried out at the Mangalagiri and Kadapa stadiums. Facilities such as floodlights, media galleries, VIP lounges, player amenities, and broadcasting infrastructure are being upgraded. Mangalagiri cricket stadium is being developed as a major cricket hub for the future,” he explained. Highlighting a unique feature of this year’s tournament, Sivanath said APL will showcase Andhra Pradesh’s local culture and folk traditions. Cultural performances featuring traditional art forms such as Tholu Bommalata, Garagalu, and Kolatam will be organized daily at the stadiums, creating employment opportunities for artists from different districts. Sivanath noted that APL has emerged as an important platform for talented cricketers from rural areas.

World Cup debutants Cape Verde scored a second-half equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uruguay on Sunday (June 21, 2026) in Miami, backing up their shock opening stalemate with Spain. Cape Verde took a surprise 21st-minute lead as Kevin Pina scored their first World Cup goal from a free-kick, only for Uruguay to strike twice shortly before half-time through Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio.

CHATURANGA 2026 was a prominent NTR District Open Chess Tournament held on March 29, 2026, hosted in the Vijayawada region. The event featured a total prize fund of ₹20,000 across multiple age groups and categories. [1] Key Details from the Tournament: Prize Structure & Categories

Chinni noted that SAAP and the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) are planning to develop cricket grounds in all 175 constituencies in a phased manner. VIJAYAWADA: Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath stated that the TDP-led NDA government is focusing on transforming Andhra Pradesh into the sports capital of the country. He emphasised that efforts are underway to establish at least one cricket stadium in each constituency. On Friday, MP Kesineni Chinni, along with Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Avirineni Ravi Naidu, inaugurated the Amaravati Premier League cricket tournament for journalists at Mulapadu Cricket Stadium. Chinni noted that SAAP and the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) are planning to develop cricket grounds in all 175 constituencies in a phased manner. Speaking to the media, Chinni further explained that the State government is prioritising improvements in sports facilities, particularly cricket, and plans to form cricket teams at the village and mandal levels. SAAP Chairman Avirineni Ravi Naidu also briefed the journalists on key decisions taken to revitalise the state’s sports policy, as well as the ongoing development initiatives by SAAP.

Water sports instil enthusiasm among the youth and significantly contribute to the development of the tourism sector, NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha has said, adding that efforts should be made to organise more such events. Inaugurating a two-day water sports competition being organised by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) officials in the Krishna river at Punnami Ghat on Saturday, the Collector said such adventure activities in the river help increase interest in water sports among youth. However, one should ensure that it does not come at the cost of the environment.