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New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
P4 initiative gains NRI backing in US to support Andhra's underprivileged athletes
VIJAYAWADA: The P4 (Public-Private-People Partnership), launched by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu under Swarnandhra Vision 2047, seems to be gaining momentum with fresh support coming from the Indian diaspora in the United States. In a recent visit to the US, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu garnered support from several NRIs, particularly those passionate about sports. They have pledged financial and logistical assistance to support underprivileged athletes in the State. Launched during Ugadi this year, the P4 initiative aims to eradicate poverty by connecting successful individuals and families, described as Margadarsis (mentors) with economically disadvantaged families known as Bangaru Kutumbams (Golden Families). Support is provided in areas such as education, healthcare, sports, entrepreneurship, and community development. The State government acts as a facilitator, ensuring transparency and real-time monitoring through digital dashboards. Speaking to TNIE, Ravi Naidu said, 'Around 30 athletes from Andhra Pradesh will initially benefit under this initiative, supported by NRIs who were moved by the programme's intent. The diaspora strongly resonated with the mission.' He emphasised that the support would be merit-based, focusing on athletes with proven potential, especially those who have won medals but lack financial backing. 'A rigorous, transparent selection process will be followed to ensure fairness,' he added. Efforts are underway to identify eligible candidates and formalise guidelines for implementing NRI-sponsored support under the P4 programme. The initiative also aims to develop sports infrastructure in the State and foster inclusive growth for budding athletes.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
SAAP chief tears into Jagan for inciting violence
Vijayawada: Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) chairman A Ravi Naidu alleged the YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is inciting the youth of Andhra Pradesh and pushing them toward violent politics. He alleged Jagan Mohan Reddy is misleading the youth through a calculated campaign involving substance abuse and criminal politics. He alleged that under the direction of Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, this dangerous trend is gaining momentum in the state. Addressing the media at IGMC stadium here on Thursday, the SAAP chairman said wherever Jagan travels, there's more drama and intimidation than talk of welfare or development. He cited recent visits to Palnadu and Chittoor as examples of such incidents. Ravi Naidu alleged former CM and his followers are creating unrest with provocative slogans and giving statements that could lead to violence. He said Jagan Mohan Reddy is dreaming of vengeance instead of development, and warned that such negative campaigning will not help him return to power. He said, 'the opposition should stand with the people and strive to solve their problems, not incite violence.'. Ravi Naidu urged parents to keep a watchful eye on their children and not let them be influenced by such political forces. He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and IT minister Nara Lokesh are working day and night to attract major industries and investments to Andhra Pradesh. In contrast, he alleged, Jagan is promoting lawlessness among youth for political gains. He said the state of AP is on a path of progress under the alliance government and criticised that Jagan is unable to accept this. Ravi Naidu reminded that Jagan misused his power by arresting former CM Chandrababu Naidu and harassed other leaders like K Atchannaidu and Kollu Ravindra. He warned that YSRCP leader and former minister Perni Venkatramaiah alias Nani to mind his language as he made some harsh comments recently. SAAP chief assured that no amount of provocation from Jagan will derail the alliance's commitment to developing Andhra Pradesh. 'Even when Jagan was in power, we stood firm. Now, our agenda is clear: development, job creation, industrial growth, investments, and effective implementation of Super Six welfare schemes,' he asserted.
Hans India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Rs 1.53 cr Chandragiri sports centre works begin
Tirupati: The construction of the incomplete Sports Development Centre at Government Boys School in Chandragiri resumed on Monday. Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman A Ravi Naidu and Chandragiri MLA Pulivarthi Nani laid foundation stone to restart the works, which are estimated to cost Rs 1.53 crore. Speaking at the event, SAAP Chairman Ravi Naidu said the coalition government is committed to encouraging students to excel not only in academics but also in sports. He criticised the previous administration, claiming that the centre's development was hindered by selfish political motives. MLA Pulivarthi Nani noted that the coalition government began various development projects in Chandragiri constituency immediately after assuming office. Restarting the Sports Development Centre is part of the broader agenda, he said, adding that the constituency has seen 937 development programmes initiated within the past year. He blamed the previous YSRCP government for the halt in construction, citing delayed contractor payments despite approved bills. He instructed the contractor to ensure the centre is completed promptly and with high quality.
Hans India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Rs 91.75 lakh incentives released for national sports winners
Vijayawada: The state government released Rs 91.75 lakh in sports incentives to athletes who won medals at the 38th National Games. Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority (Saap) chairman Anumini Ravi Naidu announced here on Monday that this timely release of funds will significantly boost the morale of the victorious athletes. The 38th National Games took place in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14. Among the participants from Andhra Pradesh, 15 athletes secured victories, making them eligible for these incentives. Ravi Naidu expressed his delight at the release of these funds, stating that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu consistently demonstrates his commitment to sports and athletes. He affirmed that the coalition government is dedicated to strengthening sports in the state and supporting its athletes. On behalf of the athletes and SAAP, Naidu extended special gratitude to CM Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, minister Nara Lokesh, and the entire Cabinet for their efforts in facilitating the release of these incentives.
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
AP sports policy among the best in country: SAAP chairman
Rajamahendravaram: Andhra Pradesh has introduced one of the best sports policies in the country, thanks to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's strong commitment to the development of sports, said Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Ravi Naidu. Inaugurating the Godavari Pushkaralu Indoor Sports Complex at Venkataramaiah Nagar in the second division on Wednesday, he said that Andhra Pradesh's sports policy goes beyond those of other Indian states. Foundation stones were laid for 142 development projects and inauguration ceremonies were held for 19 works, totalling Rs 58.41 crore in investments. Speaking at the public gathering, Ravi Naidu stated that the new policy includes a comprehensive plan to promote sports from the grassroots level. The reservation quota for sportspersons in government jobs has been increased from 2% to 3%, and Olympic gold medalists will now be rewarded with Rs 7 crore and a Group 1 government job. In the latest DSC notification, 421 posts have been reserved under the sports quota, Naidu said. He also mentioned that athletes achieving success at the state and national levels are being given significant support by the government. Expressing his delight over the inauguration of the Indoor Sports Complex, he said that after Tirupati, Rajamahendravaram is the only city in the state to offer rifle shooting facilities. Plans are underway to introduce water sports shortly as well. Municipal Commissioner Ketan Garg said the government is giving priority to sports and is providing the necessary infrastructure to support athletes. He also stated that 25 parks are being beautifully developed, and efforts are being made to improve 20 traffic junctions across the city. Rajamahendravaram City MLA Adireddy Srinivas said that the government aims to transform the city into a major sports hub. The Godavari Pushkaralu Indoor Sports Complex will stand as a milestonein the city's history, created not just to offer basic amenities to pilgrims during Pushkaralu, but also to promote sports, he added. The complex was built with a total budget of Rs 3.41 crore, Rs 1.91 crore from municipal general funds, and Rs 1.5 crore from SAAP funds. It includes facilities for carroms, chess, table tennis, shooting, snooker, billiards, and a gym. It is expected to generate an annual revenue of Rs 10 lakh for the municipal corporation. MLA added that under the Khelo India initiative, a multi-purpose sports complex worth Rs 50 crore is being planned at the city's lorry stand area. Speaking on the occasion, MLC Somu Veerraju described Khelo India as a remarkable initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing sports talent. He said the objective is to enable Indian athletes to make their mark on the global sporting stage by providing the necessary facilities and encouragement. AP Settibalija Corporation Chairman Kudupudi Sattibabu, Ex-Corporator Varre Srinivas, JSP leader Y Srinivas, SE (Engineering) M Ch Koteswara Rao, Executive Engineers P Rita and Madhavi, CMM Ramalakshmi, and other municipal officials and staff participated.
