Latest news with #SportsAuthorityofAndhraPradesh
Hans India
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Hans India
State Badminton Championship kicks off in Tirupati
Tirupati: Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) chairman Animini Ravi Naidu said that the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, was making dedicated efforts to strengthen the sports sector across the State. He was speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the AP State Badminton Championship – 2025 (Senior Men & Women), organised by the Chittoor District Badminton Association. The tournament is being held from July 29 to 31 at Sri Srinivasa Sports Complex in Tirupati. The event was jointly inaugurated by Ravi Naidu and former MLA and AP Greenery and Beautification Corporation (APGBC) Chairperson M Sugunamma. In his address, Ravi Naidu highlighted CM Chandrababu Naidu's long-standing commitment to the promotion of sports. 'From the beginning of his political career, the Chief Minister has prioritised sports infrastructure and athlete development. Plans are underway to lay the foundation stone for a world-class Sports City in Amaravati shortly,' he said. He also lauded the efforts of various badminton associations and federations that have been instrumental in developing the sport over the past three decades. 'Their consistent contribution has elevated badminton's profile in the State,' he noted. Ravi Naidu further stated that the Chief Minister was working toward establishing sports facilities in every constituency across Andhra Pradesh. Sugunamma urged athletes to make the best use of the sports infrastructure and incentives being provided by the State government. These initiatives are crucial for helping athletes achieve greater success in the future. She also called upon all stakeholders to contribute actively to building a 'Sports Andhra Pradesh' in line with the Chief Minister's vision. The event was also attended by District Sports Development Officer (DSDO) Sasi and members of the Badminton Association.
Hans India
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Hans India
SAAP chairman lauds skater Sai Samithi
Vijayawada: Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) chairman Animini Ravi Naidu extended his congratulations to Visakhapatnam-based skater Sai Samithi for her outstanding performance at the 20th Asian Roller Skating Championship. Representing India, Samithi secured gold and silver medal in the Artistic Senior category at the championship, held in Korea from July 19 to 30. Naidu lauded the athlete for her exceptional talent, which has brought pride to both the state and the nation. He encouraged her to achieve even greater success in the future, urging her to continue being an inspiration for other athletes.
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Vigilance probe on ‘Aadudam Andhra' reaches final stages
Tirupati: The ambitious 'Aadudam Andhra' sports initiative, launched to foster grassroots sports development in the state during the previous YSRCP government, is now un-der a cloud of controversy following allegations of financial mismanagement, poor-quality sports equipment, and po-litical meddling. A comprehensive vigilance inquiry, launched to probe the alleged misuse of public funds, is expected to reach final stages in August. The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (Saap) has point-ed to a massive scam worth Rs 60-65 crore in the imple-mentation of the programme, which was rolled out in De-cember 2023 in the name of promoting sports such as cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, kho-kho, and badminton from village to district levels. Saap chairman A Ravi Naidu, speaking to The Hans India, stated that the district-level vigilance inquiry has been completed and a state-level probe is currently in progress, with the final report expected anytime in August. 'We have identified irregularities in procurements, cash incen-tives, food supplies, medals, and publicity. The final report will shed light on the lapses and name the individuals re-sponsible,' he said. The state government had sanctioned Rs 25,000 per man-dal, municipality, and assembly constituency, and Rs 10,000 per ward and village secretariat to conduct the sports events, amounting to Rs 81 lakh for Chittoor district and Rs 83 lakh for Tirupati district alone. However, the kits provided — including bats, balls, shuttle rackets, t-shirts, and corks — have been widely criticised by players for their substandard quality. Several partici-pants across various levels reported that the equipment was unusable after just a single game. Complaints of the leftover kits not reaching local schools, as per government orders, have added another layer of concern, sparking questions over their possible diversion. Adding to the controversy are claims of political interfer-ence in the selection of winners during the programme's contests. There are accusations that the YSRCP govern-ment allegedly influenced the results to benefit its party loyalists. Vigilance officials are also examining reports that cash prizes earmarked for winners were either delayed or not credited at all, pointing to possible misappropriation of funds. Vigilance authorities are now finalising their comprehen-sive report, which will be submitted to the government very soon. Sources indicate that the findings could trigger administrative or legal proceedings against those found guilty.
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
P4 initiative gains NRI backing in US to support Andhra's underprivileged athletes
VIJAYAWADA: The P4 (Public-Private-People Partnership), launched by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu under Swarnandhra Vision 2047, seems to be gaining momentum with fresh support coming from the Indian diaspora in the United States. In a recent visit to the US, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu garnered support from several NRIs, particularly those passionate about sports. They have pledged financial and logistical assistance to support underprivileged athletes in the State. Launched during Ugadi this year, the P4 initiative aims to eradicate poverty by connecting successful individuals and families, described as Margadarsis (mentors) with economically disadvantaged families known as Bangaru Kutumbams (Golden Families). Support is provided in areas such as education, healthcare, sports, entrepreneurship, and community development. The State government acts as a facilitator, ensuring transparency and real-time monitoring through digital dashboards. Speaking to TNIE, Ravi Naidu said, 'Around 30 athletes from Andhra Pradesh will initially benefit under this initiative, supported by NRIs who were moved by the programme's intent. The diaspora strongly resonated with the mission.' He emphasised that the support would be merit-based, focusing on athletes with proven potential, especially those who have won medals but lack financial backing. 'A rigorous, transparent selection process will be followed to ensure fairness,' he added. Efforts are underway to identify eligible candidates and formalise guidelines for implementing NRI-sponsored support under the P4 programme. The initiative also aims to develop sports infrastructure in the State and foster inclusive growth for budding athletes.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
SAAP chief tears into Jagan for inciting violence
Vijayawada: Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) chairman A Ravi Naidu alleged the YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is inciting the youth of Andhra Pradesh and pushing them toward violent politics. He alleged Jagan Mohan Reddy is misleading the youth through a calculated campaign involving substance abuse and criminal politics. He alleged that under the direction of Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, this dangerous trend is gaining momentum in the state. Addressing the media at IGMC stadium here on Thursday, the SAAP chairman said wherever Jagan travels, there's more drama and intimidation than talk of welfare or development. He cited recent visits to Palnadu and Chittoor as examples of such incidents. Ravi Naidu alleged former CM and his followers are creating unrest with provocative slogans and giving statements that could lead to violence. He said Jagan Mohan Reddy is dreaming of vengeance instead of development, and warned that such negative campaigning will not help him return to power. He said, 'the opposition should stand with the people and strive to solve their problems, not incite violence.'. Ravi Naidu urged parents to keep a watchful eye on their children and not let them be influenced by such political forces. He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and IT minister Nara Lokesh are working day and night to attract major industries and investments to Andhra Pradesh. In contrast, he alleged, Jagan is promoting lawlessness among youth for political gains. He said the state of AP is on a path of progress under the alliance government and criticised that Jagan is unable to accept this. Ravi Naidu reminded that Jagan misused his power by arresting former CM Chandrababu Naidu and harassed other leaders like K Atchannaidu and Kollu Ravindra. He warned that YSRCP leader and former minister Perni Venkatramaiah alias Nani to mind his language as he made some harsh comments recently. SAAP chief assured that no amount of provocation from Jagan will derail the alliance's commitment to developing Andhra Pradesh. 'Even when Jagan was in power, we stood firm. Now, our agenda is clear: development, job creation, industrial growth, investments, and effective implementation of Super Six welfare schemes,' he asserted.
