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Want to host 2018 National Games in AP: Naidu
Addressing the gathering at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium, Naidu said, “India has a pool of excellent athletes and there is no dearth of sports talent in Andhra Pradesh.
Buoyed by the success of National Games and Afro-Asian games which was held in Hyderabad in 2002 and 2003 when Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, Naidu has now vouched to host the 2018 National Games in the residual State. The chief minister made the announcement while inaugurating the Chukkapalli Pitchaiah 60th Memorial Senior National Ball Badminton Championship for Men and Women on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium, Naidu said, “India has a pool of excellent athletes and there is no dearth of sports talent in Andhra Pradesh. A little encouragement will enable sportsmen to win laurels for the country at international events. We are looking forward to organise National Games in Andhra Pradesh in 2018. We want to see India hosting the Olympics.’’
Naidu added that his government would set a benchmark in sports infrastructure by developing stadia and playgrounds, besides encouraging budding sports talent.
“The Telugu Desam government got the credit for organising the prestigious Afro Asian Games and National Games in Hyderabad. We will develop world class sports infrastructure in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati and leave no stone unturned to fully tap the sports talent in AP,’’ the chief minister said.
Exhorting the players in the event to share their ideas and sharpen their skills through interaction, Naidu said, “India is a country which is rich in culture. It is a great opportunity for players to get to know each another better. The food in Vijayawada is spicy and rich in taste. Players will be treated to delicious food in the city. I hope the championship will be a good experience for the players from 21 states participating in it.’’
The chief minister suggested players to visit the tourist spots in and around the city after the end of the tournament. Assembly Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao underlined the need to encourage budding talent, besides creating good infrastructure.
Ball Badminton Federation of India president Ch Rajasekhar urged the players to strive to promote the game. Teams of Indian Railways and ISRO are also taking part in the championship.
Mayor Koneru Sridhar, Minister for Sports K Atchannaidu, Minister for Irrigation Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, MP Kesineni Srinivas, MLAs Bonda Umamaheswara Rao and Gadde Ramamohan, Krishna Zilla Parishad Chairperson Gadde Anuradha and district sports officials graced the occasion.
