Action warned against those who misused SAAP funds‘YSRCP govt organised ‘Aadudam Andhra’ event with political intentions’

Chairman of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP), Animini Ravi Naidu, has stated that those who misused the SAAP funds by conducting ‘Aadudam Andhra’ event will face serious consequences. He added that SAAP will request a Crime Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into the misappropriation of SAAP funds, as they had adequate evidence in this regard.
He alleged that the previous YSRCP government misused around Rs.119 crore targeting the youth as a vote bank. He alleged that the YSRCP government organised the sports event with political intentions, deviating from its original purpose of fostering athletic talent.
SAAP Chairman Naidu addressed a press conference at his chamber on the premises of the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) Stadium in Vijayawada on Tuesday. He stated that the ‘Aadudam Andhra’ event, which usually focuses on promoting sports among children aged 13-16, was instead directed towards individuals over 17 years— specifically, potential first-time voters rather than aspiring athletes. He alleged that YSRCP organised this event for political reasons.
Furthermore, he criticised the previous administration for neglecting sports infrastructure, citing the disrepair of stadiums built at high costs, but left unfinished. Ravi Naidu assured that works on these facilities will be completed promptly and made accessible to athletes.
He also expressed SAAP’s commitment to holding the National Games in the State soon, emphasising the need to develop the required facilities.
Meanwhile, he suspected irregularities in the issuance of sports certificates during the YSRCP regime and revealed plans to review them to ensure transparency.
He said that they are planning to introduce digital certificates. He affirmed that SAAP will collaborate with sports associations to identify and support talented athletes for the upcoming National Games.
Later, he announced that to enhance facilities, all District Sports Development Officers (DSDO) should take over all indoor stadiums, Kreeda Vikasa Kendras (KVKs) and other sports stadiums by November. Also, he assured that the SAAP and DSAs will be fully available to players.
He added that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is keen on developing sports infrastructure in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendra-varam, Kakinada, Tirupati and other cities. At the behest of the CM, the State government is developing sports infra across the State to conduct the National Games in the coming days, he added.
The SAAP Chairman said that the 1993 batch coaches’ issue is under the purview of the court and after the verdict, their issue would be resolved. Similarly, outsourced coaches would get prominent priority in the coming days, he assured.
Naidu said that the SAAP would take over the Vidyadharapuram stadium in Vijayawada after holding discussions with the Municipal Department. SAAP would develop the stadium into a ‘multi-purpose’ one, he explained.