A.P. Speaker calls for effective implementation of sports quota for athletes

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu highlighted the need to effectively implement the sports quota to create more job opportunities for athletes, alongside integrating sports development with education in the State during the National Sports Day celebrations at S.V. University (SVU) auditorium in Tirupati on Saturday.

On the occasion of the concluding ceremony of Amaravati Championship 2026 here, Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra, Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu, Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandra Mohan Reddy, Collector S. Venkateswar, Superintendent of Police (SP) L. Subba Rayudu, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman A. Ravi Naidu, and SAAP directors participated in the event.

Addressing the gathering, the Assembly Speaker said, “While children of the current generation are interested in sports, parents tend to prioritise academics. Balancing education and sports would lead to a better future for the students. Providing incentives and job opportunities to students who excel in sports would further boost interest in athletics.”

Recalling his days as a volleyball player who competed at the district level, he suggested utilising available space in every high school to set up sports facilities, such as running tracks and courts for volleyball and badminton. He also noted that sports contribute not only to health but also to personality development and the nation’s prestige.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Ramprasad said that the government was advancing with a special action plan to further develop the sports sector in the State and encourage talented athletes from the grassroots to the international level. He said that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was placing special emphasis on the development of sports.

Excise Minister Ravindra stated that the government was striving to identify sports talent at the grassroots level and provide better training and infrastructure to enable athletes to excel at national and international levels. He expressed happiness that approximately 2 lakh athletes from across the state participated in the Amaravati Championship 2026.