KTR Felicitates KCR Cup Winners, Announces Statewide Expansion of Tournaments
Pitching for a stronger sports ecosystem in Telangana, BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Thursday said the state must actively groom its athletes for international arenas , asserting that sustained investment in grassroots talent will be central to future policy priorities.
KTR was speaking at his Nandinagar residence while felicitating winners of the 8th edition of the KCR Cricket Cup , organised in Warangal West by former MLA Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar as part of the birth anniversary celebrations of former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) .
Framing sports as a tool for social transformation, KTR said they are not merely recreational , but vital in shaping discipline, leadership, and confidence among youth . He called for a comprehensive and structured sports policy to strengthen infrastructure, streamline talent identification, and create a clear pathway for athletes to progress to higher levels.
He reiterated that sports will be a governance priority if the BRS returns to power, outlining plans to identify promising players from rural and remote regions and equip them with training, infrastructure, and competitive exposure needed to succeed at national and global levels .
Highlighting the role of grassroots tournaments, KTR said initiatives like the KCR Cricket Cup are crucial in building a vibrant sporting culture . He announced that, inspired by the success of the Warangal event, the party plans to scale it up into statewide cricket tournaments next year , with participation from both rural and urban youth .
KTR also commended the efforts of the Warangal West party cadre and the Kakatiya Cricket Academy for organizing the event, noting that consistent encouragement and institutional support can help athletes unlock their full potential .
Providing context, Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar said the tournament has been conducted uninterrupted for eight years , aimed at offering a platform to underprivileged and middle-class players in Hanumakonda district . He expressed confidence that the region’s talent, particularly from Warangal (Orugallu) , would soon gain national and international recognition .
In this edition, the 51st Division team clinched the title in the general category, with the 49th Division team finishing as runners-up. In the departmental category, the Anjali Kidney Care Centre Hospital team emerged winners, while the Sankeerthana Hospital team secured second place. KTR presented the winners with cheques and metallic trophies , encouraging them to continue refining their game.
The event was attended by Kakatiya Cricket Academy Founder Chairman Farooq Ali , along with members Majid, Veeru, Siraj, and Rajesh , besides corporators and senior party leaders. The ceremony generated fresh momentum among young athletes , underlining the growing focus on sports development in Telangana.