Lokesh shares 10-year roadmap for the development of sports in Andhra Pradesh

IT Minister Nara Lokesh shared a 10-year roadmap for the development of sports in Andhra Pradesh during an interactive session titled ‘Breaking Boundaries with Nara Lokesh’ with the Indian Women’s Cricket Team in the city on Friday.

“Under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, the undivided Andhra Pradesh had successfully hosted the Afro-Asian Games and established an international-standard Sports Village. Our government will work on a planned roadmap for sports development in Andhra pradesh,” he said

He highlighted the success of the recently organised ‘Yogandhra’ programme across the State, adding that special efforts would be taken to encourage sports at the grassroots level.

Mr. Lokesh stressed that the mindset of parents needs to change with regard to supporting their daughters in pursuing sports.

Addressing the session, Mr. Lokesh lauded the achievements of the women cricketers, noting the struggles they faced over the years.

“For a long time, women’s cricket was considered secondary to men’s cricket. Despite lack of media coverage, facilities, and support, you (women cricketers) persevered and transformed the perception of Indian cricket with your remarkable performances,” he said.

He appreciated the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for ensuring gender parity in salaries of players.

“The initiative to provide equal match fees and pay parity for women cricketers is truly commendable. This is a key step towards removing gender disparities in sports. But this is just the beginning; grassroots facilities and wider encouragement are essential to fulfill the sporting dreams of young girls,” he said.

Mr. Lokesh said the government was providing 3% quota to sportspersons in jobs, adding that that the move would enhance education and employment opportunities for athletes.

“We have introduced scholarships, annual coaching camps, hostel facilities, travel allowances, and competitions at district and state levels to encourage budding sportspersons, including para-athletes,” he added.

The women cricketers shared their suggestions. They called for the design of flexible academic curricula for student-athletes, creation of a strong ecosystem for sports from inter-school to national levels, provision of scholarships and sports kits for underprivileged players, and organisation of special sports camps in rural areas to identify talent. They also suggested that sports be included as a dedicated subject in the education system.

Andhra Cricket Association president Kesineni Sivanadh (Chinni), secretary Sana Satish extended their wishes to the Women’s Cricket Team ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Former India cricketer Mithali Raj, Women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice captain Smriti Mandhana, other players Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, former International cricketer M.S.K. Prasad and Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat were present.