Sports Minister Reviews Sports Academy Trials in Vizag
He tested the cycling track himself and examined equipment designated for water sports training
Visakhapatnam: A large turnout of young athletes marked the State Sports Academies’ selection trials held at the SAAP Stadium in Bakkannapalem, Visakhapatnam, on Sunday. Organised by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP), the event drew participants from across districts, all competing for a chance to receive specialised training under the government’s sports development initiative.
Sports and transport minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy inspected the trials, interacting with athletes and reviewing facilities at the venue. He tested the cycling track himself and examined equipment designated for water sports training. Officials said the trials are intended to identify athletes aged 15 to 19 for advanced coaching during the 2024–29 period, with evaluations based on fitness, technical skills, and overall performance.
Ramprasad Reddy highlighted the establishment of three state sports academies in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Tirupati, noting that the Visakhapatnam academy would focus on cycling, athletics, and water sports. He pointed out that water sports training would be conducted at Gambhiram, while other disciplines would be based at the SAAP Stadium.
The minister also underlined employment opportunities for athletes, citing that 400 candidates had secured jobs under the sports quota in the recent DSC recruitment. He announced infrastructure upgrades worth `2.5 crore and plans for a 27-acre sports complex at Kommadi, adding that facilities were being extended to para-athletes as well.
Officials confirmed that athletes selected through the trials would gain access to modern training facilities, advanced coaching, and guidance from qualified professionals, with the aim of preparing them for national and international competitions.
The programme was attended by district sports development officer June Galyet, representatives of sports associations, selection committee members, coaches, and a large number of athletes.
