Lokesh launches multi-sport facilities across Tirupati

Developed at a cost of Rs 3.17 crore, the centre is designed to host national-level competitions and includes indoor facilities for badminton, table tennis, chess, carroms, yoga, and gymnasium

Metro India News | Chandragiri

A festive sporting atmosphere prevailed in Chandragiri of Tirupati district as Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education and IT, Nara Lokesh, inaugurated a state-of-the-art Sports Development Centre built in memory of late Nara Ramamurthy Naidu, brother of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The facility, located within the premises of the Government Boys High School in Chandragiri, marks a significant step in strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure in the region.

After inaugurating the centre, Lokesh joined celebrated badminton players PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth for a friendly game, drawing cheers from students and local leaders. He later unveiled the plaque of the Nara Ramamurthy Naidu Multipurpose Indoor Stadium and inspected the facilities, interacting with young sportspersons and encouraging them to pursue sports alongside academics. He also participated in activities like table tennis and hockey, boosting morale among budding athletes.

Developed at a cost of Rs 3.17 crore, the centre is designed to host national-level competitions and includes indoor facilities for badminton, table tennis, chess, carroms, yoga, and gymnasium, along with outdoor courts for volleyball, kabaddi, kho-kho, ball badminton, and a dedicated hockey ground. Officials said the centre would serve as a hub for training and nurturing young talent from Chandragiri and nearby areas.

Originally sanctioned in 2017 during the previous TDP government, the project had stalled in subsequent years. With renewed focus under the current administration, the works were completed and the facility made operational.

In a parallel initiative, Lokesh also inaugurated the NTR Cricket Pavilion Sports Complex in Tirupati’s Gollavanigunta, built at a cost of Rs 10.10 crore with support from the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) and TUDA. The complex houses academies for cricket, kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball, ball badminton, and archery. Lokesh interacted with athletes, played volleyball, and later joined former India women’s cricket captain Mithali Raj for a brief cricket session.

Further boosting sports infrastructure, the Minister laid foundation stones for multiple projects, including the Karanam Malleswari Weightlifting Academy, new sports centres in Gudur, Sullurupeta, and Renigunta, and inaugurated a junior boxing ring. With over Rs 35 crore allocated for sports development in Tirupati and Chittoor districts, the government aims to transform the region into a major sports hub while nurturing future champions.