South Zone volleyball tourney begins

The five-day Inter University South Zone Volleyball Tournament for women began amid colorful flags at the National College grounds in Machilipatnam on Thursday.

Local MP Konakalla Narayana Rao and Krishna University In-Charge Vice-Chancellor D Suryachandra Rao took part in the inaugural and unfurled the sports flag. The tournament was being organised by KRU, in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Konakalla Narayana Rao said the modern educational system was producing more machines than humans owing to much emphasis on academics. “Education alone will not fetch us success. We need to have a sound mind in a sound body and sports play a crucial role,” he said.

KRU In-Charge Vice-Chancellor D Suryachandra Rao said that a total of 55 teams had confirmed their participation. About 900 players, including those who excelled at the national level are participating in the tournament. Arjuna Awardee Ramana Rao and officials from the Indian Volleyball Association are participating in the tourney and extending necessary technical support for the event.

KRU Sports Board secretary N Srinivasa Rao said that four best teams selected in the tournament will represent the South Zone in the national level Volleyball Tournament (women) to be held at Kurukshetra University in Haryana from March 15.

A total of six courts have been developed at the National College grounds in accordance with the standards prescribed by the All India Volleyball Association, he added. Later, the first set of 22 knock-out-cum-league matches were held at the stadium.