AP government to set up international sports centre near Vizag

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to set up an international sports centre and an archery academy near Visakhapatnam.

The decision to establish the international sports centre at Lambasingi and the archery academy at Araku was taken during a meeting held by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu yesterday on tourism, culture and sports issues.

Naidu asked the officials to ascertain where the state stands in each sport at the international level so that efforts can be made in a focused manner, an official release said.

He directed the officials to identify 20 sportspersons from each sport and provide training to make them excel in their respective fields.

"Appoint national and international trainers to provide intensive coaching to the players and train them in developing a career as sportspersons", he said.

He told officials to send proposals to the Centre for developing Tirupati, Chittoor, Kurnool, Vijayawada, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam under the Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme.

The Chief Minister also asked the officials to distribute funds district-wise for development of play grounds and promotion of sports.

"Hold national and state level meets so that local players get an opportunity to interact with national players and learn to aim high," he added.

Meanwhile, Naidu directed the officials to organise cultural events to make students aware of the various cultural and art forms in the state.

"The government will train youth in arts, painting, music and other cultural programs," he added.