Sports Authority Of Andhra Unveils ₹1,106 Crore Plan to Become India’s Next Sports Hub
The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh has announced a major sports development blueprint to transform the state into a national sports hub.
After the construction of the mini, FIFA-compliant DIBANG-based Anini stadium the Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority is now gearing up its comprehensive sports blueprint to transform the state into a sports hub.
Minister Harish Balayogi met with the Union Sports and Youth Minister Masukh Mandaviya, along with the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh chairman, A. Ravi Naidu, who announced a proposal of ₹1,106 crore for the construction of 53 centres under the Khelo India scheme to strengthen talent acquisition across the state. The proposals were laid forward at a meeting with the Khelo India joint secretary, Vinil Krishna, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) executive director, Lt Col Sai Ashok.
Met the Hon'ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri @mansukhmandviya Ji, along with Hon'ble Civil Aviation Minister Shri @RamMNK garu and SAAP Chairman Shri Ravi Naidu, to push forward Andhra Pradesh's sporting ambitions. pic.twitter.com/wsNI6Nxc6g
— G M Harish Balayogi (@HarishBalayogi) March 12, 2026
Water sports infrastructure as the centre piece of proposal
A special emphasis has been laid on the promotion of water sports in the state with the ambition of facilities across 9 centres, including Machilipatnam (Nagayyalanka), Tirupati (Rayala Cheruvu), Eluru (Erra Kaluva), Vizianagaram (Tatipudi reservoir), Nandyal (Chinna Cheruvu), Kakinada (Bongammavari Cheruvu), Punnami Ghat in NTR district, Garigepuram Cheruvu and Gambhiram Gadda.
Significant mentions of the proposal
Among other major proposals was the national centre of excellence in Tirupati as envisioned by the honourable CM Nara Chandranaidu Babu. The Araku Valley International Trail is also being planned to promote sports development in the region. MP Harish Balyogi also proposed sanction of Khelo India funds for the GMC Balayogi Stadium to be located in Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, in remembrance of the 75th anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker Shri G. M. C. Balayogi garu.
Andhra’s sports policy upgrade to include 3% reservation in government jobs for award-winning athletes to boost the vision of evolving Amaravati as a sports capital with allocations like the Tirupati-based ₹54 crore facility and the ₹25 crore stadium in Visakhapatnam.
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