Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a significant step toward strengthening sports infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, State Minister for Sports Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy on Saturday met Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi and thanked him for approving Rs 75 crore in central sports funding for the State.

During the courtesy meeting, the minister  said the sanctioned funds would play a crucial role in the comprehensive development of Andhra Pradesh’s sports ecosystem, particularly in expanding infrastructure and identifying grassroots talent. He stressed that coordinated efforts between the Centre and the State were essential for sustainable growth in the sports sector.

Push for National Centres of Excellence

Seeking enhanced central support, Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy submitted a series of proposals aimed at elevating Andhra Pradesh as a competitive sporting hub. He requested the establishment of National Centers of Excellence (NCoE) at Acharya Nagarjuna University in Guntur for athletics, archery and weightlifting, and at Kakinada under the District Sports Authority for hockey and shooting disciplines.

The Minister also urged the Centre to approve additional District-Level Khelo India Centres (DLKICs), seeking at least one new center in each district, in addition to the 26 Khelo India centres currently operating successfully in the State.

Highlighting the need for large-scale infrastructure expansion, the State government proposed the approval of 56 sports infrastructure projects under the Khelo India scheme, with an estimated outlay of ₹675.36 crore, in line with programme guidelines. These projects, the Minister said, would address regional disparities and improve access to quality sporting facilities.

Drawing attention to the absence of a full-fledged international-standard football stadium in Andhra Pradesh, Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy sought central assistance for developing a modern football ground at Rayachoti town in Annamayya district.

 The proposed facility would include floodlights and spectator galleries and would be built on 24.90 acres of land already identified by the State.