Minister for Transport, Youth Services, and Sports Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy has stated that the government is striving to transform the State into a sports hub in the next five years. For that, key initiatives will be taken up including enhancing sports infrastructure, encouraging participation among students and youth, and constructing new playgrounds and stadiums across the State, he said. He also mentioned that following discussions with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the government is considering introducing a new sports policy to further support these efforts.
Minister Ramprasad Reddy convened a review meeting with the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) officials at the SAAP headquarters on the premises of the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) Stadium in Vijayawada on Monday. He discussed various issues regarding creating sports infrastructure, constructing grounds and stadiums, and providing incentives for outstanding sportspersons.
Later, the Minister told the media that the previous YSRCP government neglected sports and games completely. During its final days, the YSRCP government organised ‘Adudam Andhra’, which was a flop. The event involved a big scandal worth around Rs.120 crore, and the present government is trying to collect evidence, he said.
Further, he said that the TDP-led NDA government will promote an Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket team, named Amaravati. The government is striving to encourage sports and games starting from streets to district, and State-levels. We will provide all sports facilities to athletes to help them be the best, he said.
“As part of encouraging sportspersons, our government is giving top priority to constructing stadiums and playgrounds. We will discuss with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu conducting Kreeda Vikasa Kendralu (KVK) and sports competitions at the village-level,” Minister Reddy said.
Will bring IGMC Stadium under SAAP control
Furthermore, he said the government will close all sports academies that have no permissions. The IGMC Stadium is now under the purview of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. However, they will try to bring it under the control of the SAAP. The government will review the present Pay and Play Scheme and if any problems are found, further decisions will be taken.
Meanwhile, the Minister said that the government will give issue orders to all schools, government and private, to allow one hour for students to play on the grounds.
For that, they will be giving specific orders soon to prepare a timetable. “Sports and games should be a part of life and they help students become stronger physically and mentally,” he said.Further, he made it clear that notices will be served to those schools that have no playgrounds and strict action will be taken against them. Responding to a question about the fake certificate scandal, he said the government will initiate a probe.
Minister Reddy said that the main problems faced by sportspersons will be taken into consideration by CM Chandrababu Naidu. They are expecting that sports sector will get priority in the Union Budget. They will hold discussions with CM Naidu and bring a new sports policy soon, he said.
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