Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Transport, Youth, and Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy met with Union Minister for Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, during his visit to Delhi. Union Minister Mandaviya is scheduled to visit Andhra Pradesh in April to assess and support the state’s sports initiatives. Minister Ramprasad Reddy has sought central government assistance to develop an e-sports ecosystem in the state, highlighting the increasing prominence of e-sports in the national and international arenas.

The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed an allocation of Rs. 280.9 crore for sports infrastructure development across urban centers. A key proposal includes Rs. 42.62 crore for constructing a sports complex in Rayachoti, alongside the establishment of a district-level Khelo India hockey center. The minister has urged the central government to expedite approvals and funding for these projects.

During his Delhi visit, Minister Ramprasad Reddy formally submitted a request to establish National Centers of Excellence, state-level Khelo India centers, and district-level Khelo India hubs. He emphasized that primary sports infrastructure is lacking in several towns and cities across the state, necessitating urgent investment to nurture young sporting talent.

The state government has placed particular emphasis on Rayachoti, aiming to develop a state-of-the-art sports complex with multi-purpose halls, athletics tracks, football fields, and swimming pools. Minister Reddy has personally urged the Union Minister to allocate special funds for this project, ensuring a boost to local sporting talent.

Recognizing the growing influence of e-sports, the state has sought Rs. 255 crore over the next four years to develop a sustainable e-sports ecosystem. Minister Reddy stressed that Andhra Pradesh has the potential to become the leading hub for e-sports in the country. He also noted that with e-sports now included in the official sports roster, athletes excelling in the field can expect substantial government support and incentives.