The sports sector in Andhra Pradesh, which earlier suffered from the absence of a clear policy framework and adequate infrastructure, is witnessing a comprehensive revival under the present government, according to Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu.
Speaking at the SAAP headquarters on Sunday, Ravi Naidu said a new sports policy has been introduced at the direction of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, drawing from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) model with a strong focus on the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. He said sports policies of around 17 states, including Tamil Nadu, were studied while framing the policy.
Tenders worth about ₹54 crore have been finalised for sports infrastructure development across the state. Key projects include the upgradation of Kodirammurthy Stadium in Srikakulam, construction of a ₹25-crore modern stadium at Kommadi in Visakhapatnam, a sports school in Vizianagaram this year, and a proposed residential sports school for tribal children in the Araku–Paderu region.
He added that 28.30 acres have been allotted in Tirupati to develop a major sports hub, while a 3% horizontal reservation for sportspersons in government jobs is being implemented. On kabaddi-related controversies, he said FIRs were filed after forged documents were found during verification.
