Law and Sports Minister K. Ravindra on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a water sports academy of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh at the Nagayalanka ghat in Krishna district.
The academy, exclusively meant for boys from Diviseema region, will begin training in rowing and canoeing by early April. Until then, the SAAP authorities have set a deadline to complete procurement of boats and developing sports infrastructure for the academy. A sum of ₹3 crore is being spent for the academy with an enrolment capacity of 40 boys. “The first batch of students will be groomed for at least eight years to be capable of participating in any international tourney, including Olympics,” said Special Chief Secretary (Sports) L.V. Subramanyam. .
Technical study
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Subramanyam said that two locations - Erra Kaluva in West Godavari and Tatipudi reservoir in Vizianagaram district – had been selected to set up water sports academies. However, the technical study is said to be in progress for the two projects.
Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad, MLC B. Arjunudu and revenue officials were present. The Canoeing and Kayaking Association of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday presented a kayaking boat to the Nagayalanka Water Sports Academy.
