Sports of Andhra Pradesh

Introduction

• Sports hold significant importance in Andhra Pradesh, showcasing numerous talented sporting individuals who have gained prominence over time.
• The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) actively engages in various sports development initiatives, including the construction of stadiums, establishment of sports academies, and other related activities, aligned with the AP Sports Policy 2024-2029.
• The sports infrastructure in the state has witnessed growth with a focus on regional-level indoor/outdoor stadiums and academies at Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Tirupati, along with upgrades to play fields and equipment.
• Popular sports such as kho kho and kabaddi are widely played across Andhra Pradesh.

Important Sports Grounds and Training Centers

• Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam: This stadium serves as a prominent cricket venue in Visakhapatnam and continues to host major international fixtures (e.g., scheduled India vs South Africa ODI on 6 December 2025) and ICC events.
• Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad: A key cricket stadium located in Hyderabad, Telangana (not in Andhra Pradesh), hosting various prestigious matches.
• Anantapur Sports Village: Anantapur Sports Village, situated along NH 7, encompasses a sports academy spanning 40 acres. Notably, the Rafa Nadal Foundation runs the Nadal Educational & Tennis School (NETS), a pioneering venture in Anantapur since 2010.
• Indira Gandhi Stadium, Vijayawada: Formerly known as the Municipal Stadium, the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Vijayawada hosted a significant ODI match between India and West Indies in 2002, and is under modernization proposals supported through Khelo India (2025).
• Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy Stadium, Anantapur: Initially named the District College Stadium, this cricket ground in Anantapur was later dedicated to Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, the sixth President of India. It has a rich history of hosting various cricket matches.

Sports PersonalitiesPullela Gopichand

• Pullela Gopichand, born on 16 November 1973, is a former Indian badminton player who currently serves as the Chief National Coach for the Indian Badminton team. 
• He achieved a significant milestone by winning the All England Open Badminton Championships in 2001, following in the footsteps of Prakash Padukone as the second Indian to do so. 
• Gopichand is the driving force behind the Gopichand Badminton Academy and has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award (1999), the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2001), the Padma Shri (2005), the Dronacharya Award (2009), and the Padma Bhushan (2014).

V. S. Laxman

• Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman, born on 1 November 1974, widely known as V.V.S. Laxman or simply VVS, is a former Indian cricketer and currently serves as the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). 
• Renowned as one of the finest Indian batsmen in history, Laxman specialized as a right-hand aggressive batsman who typically batted in the lower middle order. 
• His remarkable ability to play match-winning and saving innings, often with support from lower-order batsmen, distinguishes him as a cricketing legend. 
• Laxman's unforgettable innings of 281 against Australia at Eden Gardens in 2001 is celebrated as one of the greatest test performances. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2011. 
• Notably, Laxman stands out as one of the few players to have participated in 100 Test matches without appearing in a Cricket World Cup.

Humpy Koneru

• Humpy Koneru, born on March 31, 1987, in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, is an accomplished Indian chess grandmaster. 
• In 2007, she surpassed the 2600 Elo rating mark, following in the footsteps of Judit Polgár. 
• Koneru made history in 2002 by becoming the youngest woman to achieve the grandmaster title at just 15 years, 1 month, and 27 days; she later won the Women's World Rapid Championship in 2019 and again in 2024.

Karnam Malleswari

• Karnam Malleswari, born on June 1, 1975, is a retired Indian weightlifter. 
• She holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to clinch an Olympic medal. 
• Her remarkable achievements include receiving the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 1995 and the Padma Shri award in 1999; she was also appointed the first Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sports University in 2021.

Saina Nehwal

• Saina Nehwal, born on March 17, 1990, is a highly regarded Indian badminton singles player. Nehwal, a former world no. 1, boasts an impressive record of winning more than twenty international titles, including ten Superseries titles. 
• She reached the pinnacle of her career in 2015 when she attained the world no. 1 ranking, making her the first female player from India to achieve this milestone.
• Olympic Success: Nehwal has represented India thrice in the Olympics, securing a bronze medal at London 2012 in her second appearance.

Shyam Sunder Rao

• Shyam Sunder Rao, a former Indian volleyball player and coach, is a recipient of the Arjuna award and the Dronacharya award in 1995. 
• His contributions to Indian sports have been significant, earning him recognition for his dedication and expertise.

Notable Indian Sports Personalities

S. K. Prasad

• Mannava Sri Kanth Prasad, born in 1975 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, is a cricketer known for his skills as a right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper. 
• His talent was recognized after a successful performance for the Andhra Pradesh cricket team. 
• Krishnamachari Srikkanth praised his abilities during the 1997-98 tour of Pakistan, leading to his debut even before the season ended; he later served as BCCI's Chief National Selector (2016-2020).

Srikanth Kidambi

• Srikanth Kidambi is a prominent badminton player from India. 
• He gained fame by defeating Olympic Champion Lin Dan in the 2014 China Open Super Series Premier, becoming the first Indian to win such a title. 
• He trains at the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad and is supported by the GoSports Foundation in Bangalore; he won silver at the 2021 BWF World Championships and captained India's maiden Thomas Cup-winning team in 2022.