Commissioner of Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority K.S. Viswanathan spins the coin at the ceremonial toss for the opening match of the 27th AM/NS India – The Hindu FIC Cricket Trophy in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK
The 27th ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) India – The Hindu FIC Cricket Trophy commenced on a grand note at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in PM Palem here on Saturday. The prestigious tournament is being organised in association with the Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association (VDCA).
As many as 18 cricket clubs from North Andhra region will be taking part in the tournament which is going to be held till April 28. Dr YSR ACA VDCA Stadium and East Coast Railway Stadium will host the matches, which are in 50-over One Day International (ODI) format.
Commissioner of Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) K.S. Viswanathan participated in the event as the chief guest.
During his inaugural address, Mr. Viswanathan stressed the importance of seizing opportunities. He noted that in recent times, several budding cricketers like Nitish Kumar Reddy and K.S. Bharat have come into the spotlight by making the most of the chances given to them. He said that strong performances in tournaments like these can propel players forward and transform their lives. He also expressed hope that the tournament would help bring out promising talent for the country.
Mr. Viswanathan expressed his admiration for The Hindu, explaining how the English daily had been a valuable resource during his IAS preparation days. He further praised the efforts of AM/NS, noting that the organisation is not only playing a crucial role in attracting investments to the State but is also promoting sports.
Honorary Secretary of VDCA K. Parthasaradhy remembered his long association with The Hindu in organising the FIC Cricket Trophy. He noted that the tournament had been held consistently every year, except for a two-year break during the COVID-19 pandemic. In all other years, the event was conducted on a grand-scale and received an overwhelming response.
He also announced that, in collaboration with The Hindu, the VDCA will continue its annual summer coaching camp this year, starting from the first week of May
Chief of Bureau, The Hindu – Andhra Pradesh, Sumit Bhattacharjee, said that Visakhapatnam is the only city in the entire country, where The Hindu FIC Cricket Tournament is being organised. He credited the former Editor-in-chief of The Hindu, N. Ram, for initiating the tournament 27 years ago. He recalled that there was a time when cricket clubs from Odisha and Chhattisgarh also took part in the tournament. He announced that starting next year, The Hindu would explore the possibility of organising tournaments in other sports as well.
Mr D.S. Varma from Essar Group and former principal of Andhra Medical College (AMC) P.V. Sudhakar recalled how The Hindu FIC cricket tournament has supported young talents to showcase their skills.
Mr. Viswanathan in the presence of Mr. Varma and Dr. Sudhakar spun the coin during the toss, marking the official start of the tournament, featuring Galaxy Cricket Club and Vizag Blues Cricket Club.
Published – April 12, 2025 06:16 pm IST
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