SAAP chief, MP meet Union Sports Minister Seek Central support for sports infrastructure development

Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu, Amalapuram MP and member of the Parliamentary Sports Committee GM Harish Balayogi, and Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Sudheer Reddy met Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday to discuss advancements in sports infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. They presented a memorandum seeking support from the Central government for various initiatives. The meeting took place at Parliament House in New Delhi.
The SAAP Chairman requested financial assistance for the development of an athletic track, a grass football field, and both indoor and outdoor facilities at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium in Vijayawada. He further proposed the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Canoeing, Kayaking, and Wrestling in Tirupati.
Moreover, he sought re-evaluation of earlier proposals to create National Centres of Sports Excellence at Acharya Nagarjuna University in Guntur and in Kakinada, intending to improve sports facilities throughout the state. He sought the release of Rs.237 crore from Khelo India funds to enhance sports infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh.
MP Harish Balayogi emphasised the need for funds through the Khelo India programme to establish a Tribal Sports School in Vizianagaram. He also highlighted the dilapidated state of youth hostels across the State’s 26 districts and urged the Central government to take steps to construct new facilities, suggesting that the Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) be instructed accordingly.
In response, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya assured that appropriate measures would be taken promptly.
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