Andhra CM Meets Mandaviya, Seeks ₹563 Cr for Sports Infrastructure Development

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Youth Services and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya here on Wednesday, and sought Rs 538 crore for establishing stadiums and ₹25 crore for organising the Khelo India Martial Arts Games this year.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief -- a key NDA ally -- also sought early completion of infrastructure development projects under Khelo India in Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, and Narasaraopeta.

Naidu highlighted steps taken by the state government to develop a sports ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh as part of the 2024-29 sports policy and sought greater support from the Centre.

The chief minister demanded that establishment of an international-standard badminton training centre and a national aquatic sports training hub in Amaravati. He explained the vast opportunities for setting up water sports training centres along the Krishna river banks, according to an official statemen

The CM revealed that the state government has already submitted various proposals for sports infrastructure development. These include proposals for establishing National Centres of Excellence at Nagarjuna University and in Kakinada.

Naidu requested ₹27 crore for developing Vijayawada's Indira Gandhi Stadium, ₹170 crore to set up a multi-sport complex at BR Stadium in Guntur, and ₹341 crore for sports development across various parts of the state.

He suggested sanctioning additional Khelo India centres in districts to identify talented sportspersons and requested consideration for establishing a Sports Authority of India training centre in Tirupati, Rayalaseema region.

The Chief Minister thanked Union Minister Mandaviya for the opportunity to host the Khelo India Martial Arts Games 2025 in Andhra Pradesh. He assured that these events will be conducted at the best sports venues in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and other cities.

Union aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu was also present in the meeting.

The Andhra CM is scheduled to meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil on the second day of his visit to the national capital.