Amaravathi: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the importance of providing necessary infrastructure to boost the sports sector in the state. He criticized the YSRCP government for halting ongoing sports infrastructure projects initiated by the previous TDP regime.
During a review meeting on Youth Services and Sports at the State Secretariat, Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to complete partially constructed playgrounds, stadia, and sports development centers across the state. He announced the allocation of Rs 23 crore for this purpose.
The Chief Minister expressed a desire to promote sports and physical exercise among all sections of society, urging officials to view sports beyond competitive aspects. He recalled the popularity of kabaddi and volleyball in villages before the advent of television and other modern technologies.
Chandrababu Naidu suggested involving local communities in the development of playgrounds in villages and encouraged NRIs and industrialists to fund these projects. He also proposed aiming to host the 2027 national games in the state by providing necessary infrastructure.
The Chief Minister highlighted the need for a new sports policy to replace the 2017 policy that expired in 2022. He expressed concern about the state’s lagging performance in winning medals and called for a special plan to address this issue.
Chandrababu Naidu envisioned transforming Tirupati, Amaravathi, and Visakhapatnam into sports hubs by providing essential infrastructure. He also instructed officials to establish sports centers in all district collectorates and government offices.
The review meeting was attended by Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy and relevant officials.
