Is Andhra Pradesh Developing a 10-Year Sports Roadmap?

Visakhapatnam, Aug 29 (NationPress) The government of Andhra Pradesh is in the process of developing a comprehensive 10-year plan for enhancing sports in the state, as announced by Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh on Friday.

During the interactive session titled “Breaking Boundaries with Nara Lokesh,” which featured the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, the minister stated that the government has raised the sports quota to three percent, thereby improving educational and employment prospects for athletes.

Minister Lokesh elaborated on newly introduced initiatives such as scholarships, annual coaching camps, hostel accommodations, travel allowances, and district and state level competitions aimed at nurturing aspiring athletes, including para-athletes.

He reminisced about how, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, united Andhra Pradesh successfully hosted the Afro-Asian Games and created an international-standard Sports Village in Hyderabad. He assured that the current administration is committed to formulating a structured roadmap for sports development over the next decade.

The minister also commended the success of the recently held “Yoga Andhra” initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, and emphasized the need for special efforts to promote sports at the grassroots level. He highlighted the necessity for a shift in parents’ attitudes to support their daughters in pursuing sports.

Furthermore, he applauded the accomplishments of women cricketers, acknowledging the challenges they have faced.

“Women’s cricket has long been considered secondary to men’s cricket. Despite facing limited media attention, inadequate facilities, and minimal support, you have persevered and changed the perception of Indian cricket through your outstanding performances,” he said.

In his praise, Lokesh referenced key achievements, such as the Asian Games Gold Medal in 2022, the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025, and seven Asia Cup victories, stating, “These accomplishments are not merely wins but a testament to your remarkable strength and talent.”

Moreover, Minister Lokesh commended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for promoting gender equality in payment structures.

“The move to ensure equal match fees and pay parity for female cricketers is commendable and marks a crucial step towards eliminating gender disparities in sports. However, this is only the beginning; grassroots facilities and increased encouragement are vital to realizing the sporting ambitions of young girls,” he remarked.

Women cricketers also contributed their thoughts during the session, calling for flexible academic programs for student-athletes, the establishment of a robust sports ecosystem spanning from inter-school competitions to national levels, provision of scholarships and sports kits for underprivileged players, and the organization of special sports camps in rural areas to scout talent.

They also proposed that sports be incorporated as a dedicated subject in the education system.