SAAP to optimise sports facilities in city

Three proposed academies to make use of the existing world-class infrastructure

In a practical approach, emphasising on optimum utility of the existing world-class infrastructure rather than looking for new ones, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) has decided to set up three academies in the city - archery (Gachibowli), rowing and sailing (Hussainsagar Lake) in the first phase.

With Archery Association of Andhra Pradesh taking care of all the expenses involved in coaching and providing equipment, SAAP will confine its role to providing boarding and lodging facility for the 32 archers (16 boys and 16 girls) on the Gachibowli sports complex, says Dr. T.R.K. Rao, VC & MD of SAAP.

“These young archers, to be identified by a panel of coaches in coordination with SAAP, will be enrolled into the AP Sports School,” Dr. Rao said. “This doesn’t cost much for the SAAP as it has to take care of the diet allowance of Rs. 200 for each of the 32 trainees,” he pointed out.

Expensive equipment

Similarly, SAAP has roped in India’s chief national coach and Dronacharya-awardee Ismail Baig to take care of the proposed SAAP Rowing Academy trainees since very expensive equipment was already bought during the 2002 National Games. This equipment is used by the national campers at the venue.

“We are also pleased with the response of an NGO which has shown us a group of young talent from the lower strata of the society and who are badly in need of training and exposure in sailing. Since these youngsters have already made a mark at the national level in different categories, we are happy that an Army sailing coach has promised to take care of the training aspect,” Dr. Rao informed.

To shore up the revenues, Dr. Rao worked out a plan with the AP Mineral Development Corporation which is expected to allocate some percentage of its revenue to local administration. As per this ‘Kreeda Jyoti’ scheme, Rs. 2 lakh per annum will be given to each of the 10 outstanding young talent in five select disciplines including archery, boxing, badminton to take care of their basic needs of training and equipment.

Another Rs. 10 lakh of corpus fund will also be created by the APMDC which should take care of any exigencies for the ‘golden oldies’ who are in bad shape financially but seeking medical assistance. The State Government will also launch Tribal Sports School in Adilabad in coordination with APMDC at a cost of Rs. 1.5 crores, Dr. Rao concluded.