Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss key projects aimed at strengthening the sports ecosystem in the state.
During the meeting, CM Naidu proposed the establishment of Sports Authority training centres in Tirupati, and requested central support for setting up a world-class badminton training facility in Amaravati.
Naidu also pitched the idea of developing a National Water Sports Training Hub in Amaravati, citing the strategic potential of the Krishna River for building water sports facilities. He informed the Union Minister that the state has already submitted several project proposals for sports infrastructure under various central schemes.
Among other major requests, the Chief Minister sought:
- ₹27 crore for upgrading Indira Gandhi Stadium, Vijayawada
- ₹170 crore for developing a multi-sports complex at BR Stadium, Guntur
- ₹341 crore for comprehensive sports development across Andhra Pradesh
- Additional Khelo India Centres to scout talent at the district level
- National Centres of Excellence at Nagarjuna University and Kakinada
CM Naidu also sought timely completion of Khelo India infrastructure projects in Tirupati, Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, and Narasaraopet.
Highlighting the Andhra Pradesh Sports Policy 2024–29, he reiterated his government’s commitment to building a robust sports infrastructure and talent pipeline. He thanked the Centre for considering Andhra Pradesh as host for the upcoming Khelo India Martial Arts Games 2025 and requested ₹25 crore in support to organise the event in cities like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
The meeting marked the second day of CM Naidu’s visit to Delhi, focusing on securing central backing for various development initiatives in the state.