The National Times - Andhra Pradesh Speaker seeks stronger sports quota and school facilities

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Andhra Pradesh Speaker seeks stronger sports quota and school facilities

SPORTS 29.08.2026

Andhra Pradesh Speaker seeks stronger sports quota and school facilities

Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu has called for effective sports-quota hiring and closer integration of athletics with education in Andhra Pradesh.

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Speaking at National Sports Day celebrations and the Amaravati Championship 2026 closing ceremony at S.V. University in Tirupati, Patrudu said parents often prioritised academics even when children were interested in sport. He argued that incentives and employment opportunities would encourage talented students.

The Speaker, a former district-level volleyball player, proposed using available land at every high school for running tracks and volleyball and badminton courts. He said sport improves health and personality while contributing to national prestige.

Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy said the government was implementing an action plan to develop athletes from grassroots to international level under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra said the state was identifying talent and improving coaching and infrastructure. He said about 200,000 athletes took part in the Amaravati Championship.

Other participants included Tirupati legislator Arani Srinivasulu, Sarvepalli legislator Somireddy Chandra Mohan Reddy, Collector S. Venkateswar, Superintendent of Police L. Subba Rayudu, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh chairman A. Ravi Naidu and SAAP directors.

P.Sinclair--TNT

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