Andhra Pradesh Boosts Water Sports Infrastructure at Punnami Ghat on Krishna River
The state-level water competitions held at Punnami Ghat along the Krishna River in Vijayawada underscored a focused infrastructural push to develop world-class facilities at the ghat.
Water sports infrastructure has been catching up lately in India with the Tehri Lake watersports infrastructure based in Uttarakhand.
With the minister Rajnath Singh having inaugurated the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh today, where he stressed changing India's image from traditional sports to non-traditional sports, this would be the best time to proclaim the state-level water competitions at the Punnami Ghat. NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha inaugurated the event, emphasizing the impact of the event on sports-led growth in the tourism sector.
🚨 Vijayawada kicked off a 2-day Water Sports Festival at Punnami Ghat to boost adventure tourism.
— Andhra Nexus (@AndhraNexus) April 13, 2026
🔹276+ participants
🔹Jet skiing, kayaking, banana rides
🔹Plans for riverfront infrastructure
Officials say such events can drive tourism, hospitality, & development. pic.twitter.com/kCZD7ANhdM
Details of the event
Aquatic sports have been gearing up in Andhra Pradesh, with the most recent example of the state water sports competitions held at the banks of the Krishna River at Vijayawada attended by 270 participants. SAAP Board member S. Santosh Kumar was the chief guest at the prestigious event. Water Sports Association founder Siva Reddy, secretary Kanakayya, and sports officials were also present. The event revolved around 3 major categories namely jet skiing, kayaking and banana boat rides.
What's next for Andhra Pradesh’s water sports infrastructure
Siva Reddy emphasized the plan to upgrade the Punami Ghat into a national and international water sporting competitions host, having already been communicated with the chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
“During the previous tenure of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, two acres of land were allotted for the development of a water sports academy at Rushikonda. The District Collector, who also serves as the Chairman of the District Sports Authority, and District Sports Development Officer (DSDO) June Gallyot have been overseeing the process. The establishment of the academy is expected shortly,” water sport coach Mr. Dasa Rao said earlier.
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