Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Plans Big Boost for Sports Infrastructure

Amaravathi (Andhra Pradesh), September 27: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to significantly boost the sports sector in the state by providing necessary infrastructure. During a review meeting at the State Secretariat on Youth Services and Sports, Naidu criticized the YSRCP government for halting ongoing projects initiated by the previous TDP regime.

Naidu directed officials to complete the construction of playgrounds, stadiums, and sports development centers across the state, sanctioning Rs 23 crore for this purpose. He emphasized the importance of sports and physical exercise for all people, not just those participating in competitions.

Recalling the popularity of games like kabaddi and volleyball in villages before the advent of TV, Naidu expressed concern over the decline in such activities. He suggested that setting up playgrounds in villages could revive interest in these sports and encouraged local participation in these projects. He also proposed that NRIs and industrialists could fund these playgrounds, which could then be named after them.

Naidu set a target for the state to host the 2027 national games and stressed the need for a new sports policy, as the previous one ended in 2022 without a replacement. He also called for a special plan to improve the state’s performance in winning medals and proposed transforming Tirupati, Amaravathi, and Visakhapatnam into sports hubs. Additionally, he instructed officials to establish sports centers in all district collectorates and government offices.