Hans News Service Vijayawada

Transportand Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy said the government is committed to making Andhra Pradesh a leading state in the country in the field of sports by prioritising sports infrastructure in every city, town, and village over the next three years. The foundation stone for the development works of Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium (IGMC Stadium) in Vijayawada was laid on Wednesday with funds from the Khelo India initiative. The minister was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, he said it was significant that the programme was held soon after Amaravati received legal recognition in Parliament. He said that the stadium holds strong emotional significance for the people of Vijayawada and assured that the government is giving top priority to its development. He announced that approximately Rs 160–170 crore will be spent on the stadium’s development in three phases. Of this, Rs 20 crore will come from Khelo India, Rs 20 crore from Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh, and the remaining funds will be mobilised through the Municipal Administration and the state government.

The minister stated that sports development activities, which had slowed down over the past five years, have now regained momentum. He added that foundation works have already begun in Guntur and will soon commence in Srikakulam. He expressed optimism that proposals worth Rs 1,000 crore have been submitted to the Centre, with over Rs 100 crore expected in the second phase. He credited Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh for driving the development of sports infrastructure in the state. He reiterated that Andhra Pradesh will emerge as a sports leader by strengthening facilities across all regions.

Welcoming the proposal to organise the Andhra Premier League (APL) from Amaravati to Kadapa, he assured full support from the state government. MP Kesineni Sivanath said Vijayawada is a rapidly developing city and that Amaravati’s recognition as the permanent capital will open up new opportunities. He added that sports infrastructure is being enhanced in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Vijayawada, and revealed that the stadium development could reach an estimated Rs 185 crore.

He also stated that the government is committed to establishing a Sports City across 2,500 acres in Amaravati, along with a Sports University. Efforts are underway to host the National Games in Vijayawada and Amaravati by 2029. SAAP chairman Animini Ravi Naidu said MP Sivanath played a key role in the stadium’s development by offering continuous guidance. He added that one block of the stadium will be named after a prominent woman sportsperson. The stadium is expected to undergo a complete transformation by next year and will be upgraded to host international-level sporting events. Several dignitaries, including MLA Gadde Rammohan, District Collector G Lakshmisha, Municipal Commissioner HM Dhyanachandra, SAAP VC & MD S Bharani, and international chess player Koneru Humpy and others were present.