Visakhapatnam:
It might not win the race for the capital of Seemandhra following the state’s bifurcation but Vizag is set to emerge as the sports capital of the proposed state (Seemandhra), according to sports experts here in this rather bustling coastal city.
Well, that’s not a mere hunch of the sports enthusiasts. Their opinion has a basis because Vizag is already fast emerging as a sports hub. It won’t take the coastal city much time in transforming into a full-fledged sports capital of Seemandhra once the separate state comes into being, sports experts opined.
That doesn’t seem a misplaced opinion what with coastal city already boasting a series of sporting structure. They are the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA nternational cricket stadium, Swarnabharati Indoor Stadium besides a number of clay and synthetic tennis courts.
And the list doesn’t complete without the city’s crowning glory: The picturesque East Point golf course.
This booming sporting infrastructure is sure to mushroom following the formation of a separate state of Seemandhra. And with that will multiply the opportunities for the city’s budding sports persons, according to the observers of the city’s sporting scene.
Traditionally, the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh had more players from Hyderabad excelling in national and International arenas than Vizag. Following bifurcation, the situation may just alter. The coastal city may attain that prima Donna status, according to sports lovers.
“Vizag stands a very good chance of becoming the sports capital of Seemandhra despite it being located at the corner of the new state”, said Subba Rao, President of Andhra Cricket Association. “The city is equipped to host international events easily as it has international air connectivity besides boasting some international level stadiums and several star hotels”, he added.
Vizag emerging as a sports capital would mean more budding sportspersons from Seemandhra getting a chance to flower and representing their region in national and international events, Rao said.
Sports fraternity of the region feels that Vizag being a coastal town and blessed with good beaches can also host international waters sports evens like surfing, rowing, kayaking and sailing. “We also need some more world class sporting infrastructure so as to be able to host national and international events of football, basketball, archery and athletics”, said President of Andhra Pradesh Volleyball Association S Kodandaramiah.
According to Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh officials, once a separate state of Seemandhra is created, a separate Sports Authority of India and Sate Olympic Association would have to be formed.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / by Nalla Ram, DC / August 11th, 2013