Andhra Govt. Increases Job Quota for Sports Persons From 2 to 3%

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled a comprehensive sports policy aimed at transforming the state into a hub for sports and nurturing talent at all levels.

State sports minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy announced the policy while inaugurating a Rs 6 crore multi-purpose indoor hall at the Vizzy Stadium in Vizianagaram district on Friday.

Ramprasad Reddy highlighted the need to revitalise the sports sector in Andhra Pradesh which, he said, had weakened over the past five years. He announced plans to increase job reservations for sportspersons from 2 per cent to 3 per cent and incentives for athletes who excel in national and international competitions.

Dwelling on preparations for hosting the National Games in Amaravati in 2027, the minister said sports facilities will be created in every constituency. He underlined the government's commitment to integrating education with sports, which play a crucial role in the development of youth. He revealed plans to establish a sports school in Vizianagaram.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Aditi Gajapathi Raju expressed concern over the neglect of Vizzy Stadium, which had originally been inaugurated by former chief minister N.T. Rama Rao in 1983. She said her father Ashok Gajapathi Raju had been worried about the incomplete indoor hall becoming a site for anti-social activities. She expressed happiness that the current coalition government has completed its construction.