A delegation led by Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu, Amalapuram MP GM Harish, and Vizianagaram MP K Appala Naidu met Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Manushuk Mandaviya in New Delhi on Friday. They requested the Union Minister to release Rs.237 crore for 24 sports infrastructure projects proposed by the State government through ‘Khelo India’ to Andhra Pradesh.
During the meeting, the SAAP Chairman and the MPs spoke about various sports infra projects. They pointed out the priority given to sports and games in the State and the new Sports Policy. Also, they submitted a representation to the Central Minister in this regard.
They mentioned two key National Excellence Centres at Kakinada and Acharya Nagarjuna University (Guntur) proposed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. They also requested the Minister to set up hockey and shooting centres in Kakinada, and athletics, archery and weightlifting centres at Acharya Nagarjuna University.
In addition to the already sanctioned 26 district-level Khelo India Centres, they sought another 26 centres for the State. Athletics and wrestling training facilities should be provided at the Tirupati Khelo India Centre, they asked. The team further requested the Central Minister to reinstate railway concessions for sportspersons, which was stopped during the Covid 19 outbreak.
Further, Ravi Naidu expressed his desire to organise the National Games and Khelo India Games in the State. He said that the State government is ready to host the two prestigious events. Minister Manushuk Mandaviya responded positively to the request.
Later, Ravi Naidu and Harish, Appalanaidu, Tangella Uday Sri and Life Saving Sports Commission Chairman Pradeep Naidu met Minister of Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu. As part of the new sports policy, they requested the Minister to allot 10 per cent of funds under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the State. These funds will help to create more sports infrastructure and facilities besides the establishment of Sports Academies, they added.
They requested the Minister to allow a Life-Saving Course in Andhra Pradesh.
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