Centre Assures Support for Andhra Sports Push
Vijayawada: Sports minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy on Saturday met Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in Delhi and sought increased central support to strengthen sports infrastructure and talent development in the state.
Ramprasad Reddy expressed gratitude to the Union Government for sanctioning Rs 75 million towards sports development in Andhra Pradesh, stating that the funds will play a crucial role in comprehensively improving the sports ecosystem of the state.
Highlighting key demands, the minister urged the Center to sanction National Centers of Excellence (NCoE) at Acharya Nagarjuna University in Guntur for athletics, archery and weightlifting and another NCoE in Kakinada for hockey and shooting. It also sought approval for an additional District Level Khelo India Center (DLKIC) in each district in addition to the 26 Khelo India centers already operating in the state.
Pointing out the absence of an international standard football stadium in Andhra Pradesh, Ramprasad Reddy sought the Centre’s help in developing a modern football ground with floodlights and spectator galleries in Rayachoti, stating that the 24.90 acres of land is ready to host national level tournaments and nurture young talents.
The minister also suggested giving approval to 56 sports infrastructure projects worth an estimated Rs 675.36 billion under the Khelo India scheme and sought approval for a Rs 42.62 billion sports complex at Nakkavandlapalli-Diguva Abbavaram in Annamayya district, citing acute infrastructure deficit post-state bifurcation.
Highlighting the large youth population of Andhra Pradesh, the minister said coordinated efforts between the Center and the state can transform its sports potential into success at the national level.
Mandaviya assured that the proposals will be examined positively and the Center will provide all necessary support. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse and MP Harish Balayogi were also present at the meeting.
