Three-day Pro Masters Badminton League got under way at Swarna Bharati Indoor Stadium here on Monday (30-7-2018).

Inaugurating the tournament HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao said the State government was according priority to sports. Gandeevam was introduced in schools to promote sports among students, the Minister said. He said the students who excelled in national and international level sports meet were being given grace marks.

He said the State government has decided to construct an ultra modern sports complex on 150 acres at Aganampudi in the city. The sports complex would be one stop place for all sports activities, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said. Former VUDA chairman S.A. Rahman, PMBL organising secretary J.B.S. Vidyadhar and others were present.

Six teams Wristy Masters, Shining Stars, Rhino Smashers, Himalayan Tigers, Sunrises and Hyderabad Warriors are competing for the top honours. National and international players are participating in the tournament. The winners will receive a cash prize of Rs. 6 Lakh and the runners-up Rs. 3 Lakh.

The league format includes mens double, womens doubles and mixed doubles. Each team consists of 12 male and four female shuttlers and they will compete in 75+ (age of both the players combined), 85+, 95+ and 105+ mens doubles, 70+ ladies doubles, 75+ and 80+ mixed doubles match formats.

In the inaugural match, Hyderabad Warriors downed Shining Stars 4-3 in a group B league.