Lokesh Unveils Vision for P.V. Sindhu Centre for Sports Excellence in Vizag

The centre is being developed as an integrated sports and education ecosystem that brings together seven sporting disciplines, high-performance coaching, sports science, recovery, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and academics under one campus.

The ceremony marks more than the laying of a foundation stone. Construction is already well underway, with the basement and substructure complete and the superstructure taking shape. The project's vision evolved significantly following discussions with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who encouraged Sindhu and her husband, Venkata Datta Sai, to think not just about the next few years, but the next hundred.

What began as a badminton academy has since grown into a long-term institution designed to serve generations of athletes and students. Inspired by visits to some of the world's leading high-performance sports facilities, including Aspetar in Doha and the Inspire Institute of Sport, the centre has been designed around the belief that elite performance is created through the seamless integration of coaching, science, recovery, education and culture.

The nearly two-lakh-square-foot campus will feature international-standard facilities, including specialised badminton infrastructure, a 25-metre competition swimming pool, Andhra Pradesh's first 25-metre shooting range, integrated sports science and recovery spaces, and an on-campus school that will enable young athletes to pursue both education and sport without compromise.

Located in Visakhapatnam, the centre seeks to establish the city as a national destination for sport, education and high-performance training while creating wider opportunities through coaching, talent identification, research partnerships and community outreach.

Addressing the gathering, Sindhu said, “This centre is my most meaningful contribution to Indian sport. I am committing much of what I have earned throughout my career towards building an institution that creates opportunities for future generations.”

“My dream is to create an ecosystem where young athletes have access to world-class coaching, sports science, education and the support they need to realise their full potential. I also appeal to corporates and philanthropists to join us in this journey through CSR and long-term collaboration, so together we can build an institution that will serve generations to come," Sindhu said.

Speaking at the event, Lokesh said, “Sindhu has brought immense pride to India through her remarkable achievements on the global stage. With the establishment of Centre For Sports Excellence, she is creating a lasting legacy by inspiring and nurturing the next generation of champions. This initiative perfectly aligns with the vision of Chief Minister to transform Andhra Pradesh into a leading sporting destination with world-class infrastructure and opportunities for young talent.”

“The Andhra Pradesh government is proud to partner in this landmark initiative and remains committed to creating an ecosystem where every aspiring athlete has the opportunity to dream big, train with the best, and represent India with distinction,” he said.

“I congratulate Sindhu, her family, and all the partners associated with this inspiring endeavour, which will shape the future of Indian sport for generations to come,” he added. The Centre is expected to be completed by May 2028, when it will welcome its first generation of athletes and students.