VIJAYAWADA: Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu accused the previous YSRC government of financial irregularities amounting to Rs 119 crore pertaining to the Aadudam Andhra sports tournament.
Speaking to the reporters at the SAAP office on Tuesday, Ravi Naidu announced a detailed investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds. “We are thoroughly examining the misuse of public funds during the Aadudam Andhra tournament. All evidence will be submitted before the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) for strict legal action against those involved,” he added.
The SAAP Chairman lambasted the previous dispensation for politicising sports, claiming the event was organised for electoral gain rather than nurturing young talent. “Instead of promoting Under-13 and Under-15 players, only athletes above 17 were allowed to compete, indicating that the tournament was a bid to attract youth votes,” he maintained.
Announcing the scrapping of the ‘Pay and Play’ scheme, which allowed public access to government-owned sports facilities for a fee, he informed that control of all stadiums will be transferred to government authorities by November and District Sports Development Officers (DSDOs) have been tasked with management of these facilities for better accessibility to people.
Asserting that the TDP-led NDA government is transforming the sports landscape of the State under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, Ravi Naidu said that they aim to develop ‘Kreeda Andhra Pradesh’ (Sports Andhra Pradesh) within five years and upgrade sports infrastructure to host the National Games in 2027.
The TDP-led NDA government is committed to building a comprehensive sports ecosystem that prioritises talent development over political motives, he asserted and added that efforts are underway to complete pending sports projects and revitalise the State’s athletic infrastructure.
After a thorough inspection of facilities in Nellore, Tirupati, Hindupur, and other locations, the SAAP chairman said, “The Krida Vikasa Kendras (KVKs) projects are in poor condition. CM N Chandrababu Naidu initiated the construction of KVKs in 2014, but the YSRC government neglected them. The current government is committed to bringing these facilities into use quickly.”
The SAAP chairman emphasised that they are introducing sports-friendly policies for athletics development on par with the international standards.
Furthermore, Ravi Naidu also outlined plans to host the National Games 2027 in the State and called for cooperation from sports administrators to eliminate fake associations and certificates.