Minister counters opposition MLA’s remarks about Messi’s visit

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Telangana Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari on Thursday countered comments made by BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy in the State Assembly regarding football icon Lionel Messi's visit to the state. The minister clarified that the football superstar was not invited to please the Chief Minister's grandson or the sons of ministers. He emphasized that the arrival of the football legend has demonstrated the importance the Telangana government is attaching to sports development.

The minister highlighted that cash awards are being given to athletes who perform at national and international levels. Efforts are being made to develop playgrounds across the state and provide specialized training to coaches, he said. Citing examples, the minister reminded that cricketer Mohammed Siraj was honored with a Rs 1 crore cash award along with a DSP post. Similarly, athlete Trisha was given Rs 1 crore. The minister's remarks came in response to the opposition MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy 's remarks about the motives behind inviting Messi.