Amaravati, Dec 29: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday congratulated Koneru Humpy on winning the bronze medal at the FIDE World Rapid Championships.

“Champions are not defined by one result, but by the courage to compete at the highest level, again and again. A bronze on the world stage reflects true excellence. Your journey, consistency, and the pride you bring to India inspire millions,” the Chief Minister wrote on X.

He also congratulated Arjun Erigaisi on winning the bronze medal at the FIDE World Rapid Championship. “His podium finish makes him the only Indian male player to achieve this feat since Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. A son of Telangana, Arjun, has added another chapter of pride to India’s illustrious chess legacy,” said CM Naidu.

Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, Home Minister V. Anitha, Roads and Buildings Minister B. C. Janardhan Reddy and Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman A. Ravi Naidu also congratulated Koneru Humpy.

Minister Ramprasad Reddy noted that Humpy has already won five medals at the FIDE World Rapid Championship. He said India was proud of her achievements.

He termed the woman chess champion as an inspiration for all women sportspersons and wished that she bring many more laurels to India and the state.

SAAP Chairman Ravi Naidu said that Humpy has made India proud by winning five medals at the FIDE Championship.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar also congratulated Arjun Erigaisi.

“Congratulations to the son of the soil on securing the bronze medal at the FIDE World Rapid Championship. With this achievement, he becomes the only Indian male player to reach the podium at this event since Viswanathan Anand. Telangana is proud of your achievements,” posted Bandi Sanjay.

He also congratulated Koneru Humpy on winning the bronze medal at the FIDE World Rapid Championship and said that she continues to make India proud.

Bengaluru, Dec 24: Virat Kohli has once again etched his name in cricketing history, reaching the remarkable milestone of 16,000 List A runs during his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday.

Playing for Delhi in their clash against Andhra Pradesh here at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, Kohli achieved the feat with his first run in the team’s chase of 299. This landmark moment further cements his status as one of the greatest ever in the 50-over format.

Kohli’s 16,000-run feat makes him only the second Indian player, after legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, to reach this figure in List A cricket. The 37-year-old now stands as the ninth player overall to breach this milestone, joining the ranks of cricketing legends like Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, Sir Vivian Richards, and others.

Kohli’s last appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy came during the 2010-11 season, where he captained Delhi. He would go on to play in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy in 2013-14 but had not participated in the Vijay Hazare for nearly a decade before this comeback. His return to the competition was eagerly anticipated, and his achievement was a fitting start to Delhi’s campaign.

While the milestone of 16,000 List A runs stands as a testament to Kohli’s excellence, his ODI record continues to shine even brighter. He remains the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.

With 14,557 runs in 308 matches at an extraordinary average of 58.46, Kohli is the fastest player to 14,000 runs in ODI cricket. He also boasts the most centuries in the format, with 53 to his name.

Despite his long and storied career, Kohli is still chasing Tendulkar’s record of 60 centuries in List A cricket. He currently holds 57 centuries, four ahead of Tendulkar’s former record of 53 in the ODI format.

Having made his List A debut back in 2006 for Delhi in the Ranji One-Day Tournament, Kohli’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. Over the years, he has represented Delhi in various domestic competitions, with standout performances in the 50-over format.

Kolkata, Dec 17: One more person has been arrested in connection with the vandalism during Lionel Messi’s event at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, taking the number of those arrested to six, the Bidhannagar police said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by the West Bengal government on Tuesday, began its probe into the matter.

According to police sources, the sixth arrest was made late on Tuesday night. The arrested person has been identified as Rupak Mandal. Police sources said that the accused will be produced before the Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Court and charged with vandalism, creating disorder and disrupting law and order at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

The sources also said that several other individuals are suspected of being involved in the incident, and they may also be interrogated, if necessary. It has also been hinted that the number of arrests may increase in the coming days based on the progress of the investigation, and once the examination of CCTV and other video footages are completed.

The sources stressed that they are investigating how the situation spiralled out of control on the day of the incident, who directly participated in the vandalism, and who instigated the violence from behind the scenes. It was learnt that investigators are separately analysing the role of each arrested accused.

Noting the seriousness of the incident and the questions raised about security arrangements at Yuva Bharati, one of the state’s most prominent sports stadiums, the state government has formed the SIT, which will focus on how the disorder spread at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, where the security lapses occurred, and whether there was any negligence on the part of the responsible agencies or officials.

According to administrative sources, the SIT members visited the Yuva Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday. They are inspecting the site, assessing the extent of the vandalism, and the amount of damage. After reviewing the situation, they will prepare a detailed report on the security arrangements on the day of the incident.

Meanwhile, following this incident, the administration is considering strengthening security measures for future large-scale events at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan. It includes ensuring adequate police surveillance, increased security checks at entry points and the use of modern technology to control crowds.

On December 13, the Salt Lake Stadium was full long before Messi’s event began, with spectators waiting to see their favourite footballer.

As soon as Messi arrived, many people surrounded him, trying to take pictures. As Messi’s security guards were also there, a chaotic situation prevailed overall, and spectators complained that they couldn’t even see him.

Messi left the field within just 22 minutes. After that, vandalism began. Chairs and bottles were thrown onto the field from the stands. Many spectators broke down the gates and entered the field.

Vandalism occurred in the galleries and restrooms of the Yuva Bharati Krirangan. Following this incident, the state government formed an investigation committee. Event organiser Satadru Dutta was arrested. On Tuesday, Aroop Biswas resigned as state Sports Minister while top IPS officers, including DGP Rajeev Kumar, were issued a show-cause notice.