A Revanth Reddy's Vision for Telangana's Sports Renaissance

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy announced plans for a new sports policy aimed at promoting sports extensively. The policy will be debated in the next legislative session. Preliminary talks with the BCCI for building a cricket stadium have been held. Additionally, steps are being taken to incentivize sportspersons and allocate a significant budget for sports.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Friday that his government plans to develop a new sports policy focused on extensive sports promotion.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Reddy emphasized that the proposed policy will be debated in the next session and noted the success of Haryana's approach to encouraging athletes.

The state government has initiated preliminary discussions with the BCCI to establish an international-level cricket stadium at Begari Kanche, where a skill development university is also being planned. The government will provide the necessary land, with the BCCI expressing willingness to build the stadium.

During a debate on an amendment bill granting Group-1 Services employment to boxer Nikhat Zareen and cricketer Mohammed Siraj for their international achievements, Reddy highlighted the importance of promoting sports to prevent youth from engaging in negative behaviors.

Reddy pointed out that the sports ecosystem in Hyderabad has been compromised, with existing stadiums often repurposed for non-sporting activities. He stressed the need for a special action plan to revive student interest in sports.

The state budget has allocated over Rs 361 crore for sports, a significant increase. Reddy also mentioned that the government would consider renaming the Telugu University after journalist and poet Suravaram Pratap Reddy, pending agreement from other political parties.