City to host U-19 girls’ SGFI natl volleyball tourney from today

Vijayawada is set to host the 68th School Games Federation of India (SGFI) National Volleyball Tournament for under-19 girls from January 6 to January 10 at PB Siddhartha Arts and Science College, Mogalrajapuram. The event is being jointly organised by the School Games Federation of Andhra Pradesh (SGFAP) and the School Games Krishna District Under-19 Unit.
A total of 600 participants from across the country will attend the event, including players, coaches, managers, and officials. Six volleyball courts have been prepared at the PB Siddhartha College grounds, including four equipped with floodlights. All 25 state teams have arrived in Vijayawada and have begun their practice sessions.
After inspecting the arrangements, SGFAP Secretary G Bhanumurthy Raju conducted a press conference at the college’s conference hall on Sunday. He revealed that except for Bihar, all other participating teams have reached Vijayawada and started practice. He stated that all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the tournament have been completed under the leadership of School Education Department Director V Vijaya Rama Raju and Samagra Shiksha State Project Director B Srinivasa Rao.
He further said that Samagra Shiksha sanctioned Rs 12 lakh to ensure the event’s success, while Siddhartha Academy arranged six international standard courts, including four with floodlights. “We are providing three-star hotel accommodation and travel support for all teams. Both North Indian and South Indian food options are being provided for the players. Women police personnel are deployed for security,” he added.
The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format. The inaugural function is scheduled for 4 pm on Monday. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath alias Chinni, Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rama Mohana Rao, and NTR District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha are extending their support to the event.
Krishna District Under-19 Secretary V Ravikantha stated that matches will be held daily from 8 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 10 pm. She added that MP Sivanath and Collector Lakshmisha are personally overseeing the arrangements.