Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 17 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday emphasised that sports enthusiasts should pursue a career in sports with passion.

'Without focus, no one will excel in sports or any other field,' the Chief Minister asserted.

According to a release, the Chief Minister made the remarks after the winners of the TG20 League, the Hyderabad e-Champions team, paid a courtesy call on him. He handed over cheques to the team in the presence of prominent badminton coach Pullela Gopichand and Eenadu Group Managing Director Ch Kiran.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Revanth Reddy said that the state government unveiled a vision to promote sports and bring back the glory to Hyderabad, which had hosted national-level sporting events long ago.

'Special emphasis is given to sport as the government introduced an exclusive sport policy for Telangana,' the Chief Minister said.

'The government was already providing jobs and cash rewards to those who won medals in national and international sports events,' CM added.

Stating that the government was focusing on developing sports infrastructure, the CM said that a Sports University was already established and that the Gachibowli Stadium was upgraded on par with international standards.

'The TG20 was a good platform for sports persons from villages to display their talents,' the Chief Minister said, and hoped that the winners would bring laurels to the country in the future.

Telangana Chief Minister also highlighted the role of such platforms in identifying and nurturing sporting talent from rural areas.

In a post of X, CM Reddy also stated, 'I congratulated the winning Hyderabad e-Champions team of the TG20 League by presenting them with cheques. Platforms like TG20 are immensely useful in bringing out the talent from rural areas. We are encouraging every athlete who excels in sports by providing cash rewards along with government jobs. For the development of the sports sector, the government is implementing programs such as a special sports policy, a sports university, and the development of the Gachibowli Stadium to international standards.'

Congratulating all participants and winners of the competition, Reddy wished the athletes success at national and international levels, saying their achievements would enhance the pride of Telangana and the country.

'Heartfelt congratulations to every athlete who participated in the competition and to those who emerged as winners. I wish that you continue to excel at national and international levels, enhancing the prestige of Telangana as well as the country,' Reddy added. (ANI)