How is Andhra Pradesh CM Seeking Centre’s Support for Sports Ecosystem?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Support from the Centre is crucial for sports infrastructure development.
- Plans for a world-class badminton training center in Amaravati are underway.
- A National Water Sports Training Hub is proposed along the Krishna River.
- Funding requests aim to upgrade existing facilities and create new sports complexes.
- The Khelo India Martial Arts Games 2025 will place Andhra Pradesh on the national sports map.
Amaravati, July 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Wednesday called upon the central government to provide assistance in developing a thriving sports ecosystem in the state.
During a meeting with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, in New Delhi, he outlined significant infrastructure projects necessary for enhancing sports development in Andhra Pradesh.
He requested the Centre’s backing for the establishment of a world-class badminton training centre in Amaravati and proposed the creation of a training centre of the Sports Authority of India in Tirupati.
On the second day of his visit to the national capital, Chandrababu Naidu, accompanied by Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu and other leaders from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), met with Mansukh Mandaviya.
As per a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Naidu emphasized the chance to set up a National Water Sports Training Hub in Amaravati, discussing the potential for water sports training facilities along the banks of the Krishna River.
He informed the Union Minister that the state government has already submitted several proposals concerning sports infrastructure and developmental projects.
Naidu shared initiatives to establish National Centres of Excellence at Nagarjuna University and in Kakinada. He also urged for the timely completion of infrastructure projects under the 'Khelo India' scheme in Tirupati, Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, and Narasaraopet.
The Chief Minister sought ₹27 crore for upgrading the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Vijayawada, ₹170 crore for developing a multi-sports complex at the BR Stadium in Guntur, and ₹341 crore for overall sports development across various regions of the state.
He also requested the sanctioning of additional 'Khelo India' Centres to identify talented athletes at the district level. Furthermore, he proposed that the Centre consider establishing a Sports Authority of India training centre in Tirupati, situated in the Rayalaseema region.
He stated that under the Andhra Pradesh Sports Policy 2024-29, the state has initiated vital measures to create a comprehensive sports ecosystem.
Naidu expressed gratitude to Union Minister Mandaviya for selecting Andhra Pradesh as the host for the Khelo India Martial Arts Games 2025, stating that these games will take place at premier venues in cities like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. He also urged the Centre to allocate ₹25 crore for hosting the Khelo India Martial Arts Games.