‘Para-athletes to get recognition with A.P.’s new sports policy’

Andhra Pradesh's new sports policy supports athletes and para-athletes, providing financial aid and incentives for international competitions.

SPSR Nellore District Sports Officer Yathiraj said that Andhra Pradesh’s new sports policy, which was introduced by the State government a couple of months back, will help not only athletes but also para-athletes to gain more recognition.

“Bhavani, an international para-athlete who hails from a poor family in the city, received financial aid of ₹1 lakh from a member of NRI (Non-resident Indians) Cell,” said Mr. Yathiraj addressing a press conference at A. C. Subba Reddy Sports Complex in Nellore on Thursday.

Having won silver medals in both 100 m race and shot put at an international para-athletic competition held in Thailand, the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu had earlier urged the NRI Cell members to provide financial assistance to her.

Following this, a donor, Lagadapati Subbarao, immediately came forward to support her. Minister for MSME and NRI Affairs, Kondapalli Srinivas, later handed over the cheque of ₹1 lakh to Bhavani in Vijayawada.

Mr. Yathiraj informed that Bhavani will actively participate in international para-athletic competitions with increased enthusiasm. “Under the new sports policy, the State government is also likely to sanction suitable incentive to Bhavani,” he said.

As per the new sports policy, the State government has announced huge cash incentives to para-athletes as well. The medallists in the international games will be eligible for increased rewards under the new policy.

On the occasion, Nellore district Para-sports Committee president T.C. Malyadrinaidu said that the alliance government announced a new sports policy soon after assuming power. He said that all the sports grounds in the State are being equipped with State-of-the-art facilities.