Tirupati:Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman A Ravi Naidu unveiled posters of Amaravati Championship-2026 state-level sports competitions to be held in Tirupati from August 24 to 27. Speaking to the media on Thursday, he said around 10,000 sportspersons from across the State would take part in various disciplines in Under-17 and Under-23 categories. The State government was conducting the championships as part of its efforts to develop Andhra Pradesh as a sports-oriented State. Instead of limiting Sports Day activities to rallies and other programmes, the government had launched ‘Sports for All’ initiative to encourage people to take up sports, he said.

Tirupati was selected to host the competitions due to the availability of sports grounds, accommodation and other infrastructure, Ravi Naidu said. Events will be conducted at Sri Venkateswara University, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Agricultural University, Campus School and Srinivasa Sports Complex, among other venues. The Chairman said nearly 14,500 people, including athletes, referees, coaches and physical education teachers, would stay in Tirupati during the event. The athletes are expected to start arriving from August 23 evening. The opening ceremony will be held at 9 am on August 24, while the competitions will begin at 2.30 pm. Later, along with officials, he inspected the sports venues and reviewed the facilities to be provided to the athletes and other arrangements for the state-level competitions.