Published: December 26, 2025 at 3:16 pm
V Hanumantha Rao, chairman of Cricket Federation of India, stated that for the past 18 years, the Cricket Federation of India has been organizing the Under-19 cricket championship in Hyderabad, the Under-17 championship in Chandigarh, and the Under-15 championship in Chennai, in memory of the former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi. He said that four countries and several states are participating in this tournament, which will be held from January 7 to 10. The venues are LB Stadium, Vijay Anand Ground in Attapur, and Amberpet Waterworks ground.
He also said the final will be held at the LB Stadium and Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy will be the chief guest. Rao said teams from Sri Lanka, Dubai, Malaysia, Nepal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Chennai, Bihar, Vidarbha, Bengaluru, Telangana Cricket Federation, Federation of India, and Hyderabad will participate in this tournament.
16 teams for AIIU Inter-Zonal Table Tennis
Sixteen teams from all over the country will be seen in action at the All India Inter University (AIIU) Inter Zonal Table Tennis Tournament for Women at VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Arts & Science, Bachupally, Miyapur, Hyderabad, from Saturday to Monday. The tournament is being organized by DPE, Osmania University.
The university teams from South Zone are Jain University (Bangalore), SRM IST University (Chennai), Anna University (Chennai) and University of Madras. North Zone teams are Chitkara University (Punjab), Chandigarh University (Mohali), Lovely Professional University (Jalandhar) and Punjab University (Chandigarh). The West Zones teams are Savithri Bai Phule University (Pune), MIT World Peace University (Pune), Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (Surat) and University of Mumbai (Mumbai). The East Zone teams are Adamas University (Kolkata), L N Mithila University (Darbhanga) , University of Calcutta (Kolkata) and Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalay (Durg).
The inaugural function will be held at 10 am at the venue. Prof V Bala Kista Reddy (chairman State Council of Higher Education, Telangana) will be the chief guest. Prof LB Laxmikanth Rathod (member, Telangana Public Service Commission) will be the guest of honour. Dr V Koul (AIU, observer), Vallurupalli Rajashaker (chairman, VIJAS), B Sunil Kumar (principal, UCPE), Rajesh Kumar (dean, faculty education), Dr N Aruna (deputy director, VJIAS), Dr G Sreerama (PD) will grace the inaugural function.
South Zone cricket tournament for persons with disabilities
NFC Works Committee chairman D Sridhar inaugurates the South Zone Cricket Tournament for Persons with Disabilities
The skills of specially disabled cricketers are exceptional and the courage they demonstrate is truly inspirational, said Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) works committee chairman D Sridhar, while inaugurating the South Zone Cricket Tournament for Persons with Disabilities in Hyderabad on Friday. A large number of players from various southern states have come forward to participate in the tournament.
“Never assume that you are incapable of doing anything. In many ways, you are ahead of so many others. God may not give everything to everyone, but you must take pride in what you are capable of. Showcase your talent in sports too, such opportunities will take you to great heights. This cricket tournament is being organized especially for you. What may appear as a small physical disability on the outside is nothing compared to the great strength you possess within. In fact, you are mentally far stronger than many people. Never consider yourselves inferior to anyone. I felt immensely happy after watching your photos and a few videos showcasing your abilities. On behalf of NFC, I warmly welcome the players from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Pondicherry, Kerala Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Usually, this ground is meant for national-level programmes, but when the organizers approached us and explained the noble purpose, we immediately agreed. I wish you all to exhibit your full potential and make this tournament a grand success,” he said.
