Andhra Pradesh's Nara Lokesh Announces Comprehensive 10-Year Sports Development Plan

Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh's IT Minister, reveals a detailed 10-year roadmap for sports development aimed at increasing opportunities for athletes and enhancing gender parity in sports.

Andhra Pradesh's IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, announced plans for a 10-year strategy to boost sports in the state. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for athletes in both education and employment. The government intends to increase the sports quota to three per cent, providing more support for athletes.

Lokesh highlighted the state's past achievements under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, such as hosting the Afro-Asian Games and creating an international-standard sports village. He expressed confidence in developing a similar roadmap for the next decade.

Focus on Gender Equality in Sports

During a meeting with the Indian women’s cricket team, Lokesh praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for promoting gender equality. "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," he stated.

Lokesh also emphasised the importance of changing societal attitudes towards girls in sports. He encouraged parents to support their daughters' sporting ambitions and acknowledged the accomplishments of women cricketers.

Enhancing Grassroots Facilities

While appreciating BCCI's efforts, Lokesh noted that grassroots facilities and broader encouragement are crucial. "But this is just the beginning, grassroots facilities and wider encouragement are essential to fulfill the sporting dreams of young girls," he remarked.

The government's comprehensive plan aims to create an environment where young athletes can thrive. By increasing support and resources, Andhra Pradesh hopes to nurture future sports talents effectively.

This strategic approach reflects a commitment to fostering sports development across various levels. The focus remains on creating opportunities and ensuring equal treatment for all athletes, regardless of gender.

With inputs from PTI