AP to Honor 480 Athletes on National Sports Day in Visakhapatnam

The Andhra Pradesh government will celebrate National Sports Day on Friday with a major program in Visakhapatnam. The event will take place at the AU Convention Centre and will honor 480 athletes from different sports. State HRD Minister Nara Lokesh will attend as the chief guest.

The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAP) is organizing the program in memory of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. SAP Chairman Ravi Naidu said international athletes from the state will join the event. Winners of national and Asian-level competitions, including Khelo India, will also be present.

To mark the occasion, SAP launched a new state-level competition called the “Amaravati Championship.” Its first edition brought together 24,700 athletes from across Andhra Pradesh. The government aims to raise participation to one lakh athletes next year.

The state has also declared August as “Sports Month.” During this time, the government is building new sports facilities and offering jobs to athletes without written exams. Officials said this step fulfils a “40-year dream.”

Naidu announced that 421 government posts have been reserved under the 3 percent sports quota through the District Selection Committee (DSC). He confirmed that the quota will continue in all future recruitment drives.

“Minister Nara Lokesh is leading efforts to promote sports and education together. Andhra Pradesh is building world-class sports facilities,” Naidu said. He added that the government is committed to supporting young athletes.

Naidu also accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of misusing sports funds and politicising the “Aadudaam Andhra” program.

The National Sports Day celebration will honor past achievements and open a new chapter for sports in Andhra Pradesh, backed by reforms and stronger infrastructure.