MP Sribharat Seeks Fast-Track of Para Sports Centre in Vizag

Visakhapatnam’s Member of Parliament, M. Sribharat, has called on the Union government to fast-track the long-pending proposal for a Centre for Sports for Persons with Disabilities in the coastal city.

During a meeting in New Delhi with the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, Sribharat submitted a formal representation, noting that the Andhra Pradesh government had already allocated 22.64 acres of land at Bakkannapalem village in Visakhapatnam rural mandal.

According to the MP, a committee led by Vineet Singhal, Director of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, inspected the site on 4 March 2025 and held consultations with district authorities and officials from the State Welfare Department. Despite the State government providing the requested information and extending full cooperation, Sribharat said there had been no further progress on the project.

He expressed concern over the delay and urged that the Centre be established with full financial support from the Union government. The proposed facility, he said, should include modern sports infrastructure, specialised training equipment, and residential accommodation for trainees.

Sribharat said the institution could play a significant role in identifying and developing para athletes, enabling them to compete at the State, national, and international levels. He added that Visakhapatnam, given its connectivity and sporting ecosystem, was well positioned to host a national-level centre that could also serve neighbouring States.

In response, Kumar assured the MP that the Ministry would review the proposal, examine the reasons for the delay, and issue the necessary directions, according to a statement released on Friday.