The NTR Kreeda Vikas Kendras would not only support rural sportspersons but also identify hidden talent in the State, said Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) N. Bangara Raju.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Mr. Raju said the government, in the past 18 months, had spent ₹550 crore for developing the kendras and would revamp the existing facilities by October.
Stating that in united Andhra Pradesh major sporting events remained confined to Hyderabad, he added, “After bifurcation, the State government wanted to develop sports infrastructure across 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh and worked out a comprehensive Sports Policy to be implemented by 2022.”
One of the main objectives of the policy was to create indoor and outdoor stadiums, and develop coaching facilities in every district, he added.
More coaches
Mentioning the works completed, Mr. Raju said 30 kendras, including four in Chittoor district, had been completed and would be maintained under the PPP model.
Mr. Raju added that 100 coaches had been employed and the kendras, along with academies under project Paanchajanyam, which aimed at preparing sportspersons for Olympics, would offer training in team sports from July.
As regards the Tirupati Sports City, Mr. Raju said tenders had been floated and an action plan was being formulated to establish the Centre of Excellence for Women at Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswavidyalayam(SPMVV), with support from the Centre.
He later spoke about raising reservation for sportspersons to 6% from 2% in jobs and academic institutions and the progress of Project Gandiva.