Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu says his ultimate dream is to see Andhra Pradesh hosts Olympics in the future.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the Indian Open world ranking snooker championship at Novotel Hotel here on Monday, "I remember when I was the Chief Minister of the undivided Andhra Pradesh, I allotted some land for setting up a world class cue sports academy in Hyderabad. Now, I announce that we will ensure a world class cue sports complex will be an integral part of the sports city which we are planning in Amaravati," Mr. Naidu said amidst applause from the select gathering.
"Everyone knows how we developed world class sports infrastructure in Gachibowli when I was the Chief Minister. We will develop similar infrastructure in cities such as Tirupati, Vizag and Amaravati in the future. I was largely successful in ensuring that there is greater following to other sports too and not just the cricket fever which used to grip the nation," he said with a smile.
Mr. Naidu recalled that when Hyderabad hosted the 2003 World billiards championship, he picked a few points of the game talking to some of the players like Manoj Kothari, Geet Sethi and Pankaj Advani.
Mr. Naidu also offered to host Indian Open snooker edition in Amaravati and left it to the federation which year they want to host it.
"I can assure the sports fraternity that the State government would not be found wanting in support its cause. For I believe not just in better income but in happiness for all," he said.
The Chief Minister had a word of praise for the spirited Vizagites recalling how they showed remarkable qualities to come back from the devastating Hudhud cyclone a couple of years ago. "Now, everyone can see how beautiful this city is with such excellent people is fast becoming the destination for many from across the world," he said.
"They were never demoralised, showed great spirit to come back from such devastating times," Mr Naidu added.
Capt P.V.K. Mohan, president, said the Chief Minister was always a sports-loving personality giving a new definition to promotion of sports in the country itself.