Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh govt is planning to transform Amaravati into a sporting powerhouse with a sprawling sports city and international sports university in over 2,000 acres in Ibrahimpatnam in Vijayawada. Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) chairman A Ravi Naidu announced that the state is committed to positioning Amaravati as the ‘sports capital’ of India.Addressing the media on Thursday, Ravi Naidu said that a proposal to host the 2026 Khelo India Games in Vijayawada was submitted to the Centre, and it is expected to receive approval soon. He emphasised that this event could bring national attention to the region and elevate AP’s status on the sports map.Highlighting local developments, the SAA chairman said that the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada is being upgraded into a multi-disciplinary facility capable of hosting international-level events. The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has already committed ₹40 crore for its development, while the total estimated cost is around ₹70 crore.However, Ravi Naidu expressed concerns over VMC’s demand for monthly rent, despite the stadium being intended for a nationally significant event. A formal appeal was made to the municipal administration minister to waive the rent, considering the larger public interest.The state is also planning to construct stadia in every assembly constituency and develop sports infrastructure in 46,000 govt schools with the help of the school education department. In a sharp political attack, Ravi Naidu criticised former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for allegedly targeting the women of Amaravati. Referring to Jagan’s call to mark the regime change as ‘Backstab Day’, he said it insulted the will of the people.
