AP Sports Policy: Politics with sports.. AP government is emphasizing on National Games, if medals are won then only publicity..

AP Sports Policy: There is nothing apolitical left in Andhra Pradesh. The government, which stands with the players and sports associations in their quest for medals, is unable to stop them, while thousands of public representatives are pointing fingers at those sports associations. Andhra Pradesh, which is ahead of all the states in the country in alphabetical order, has cast a blue shadow on its participation in the National Games this year. On one hand, the pressure of the ruling party leaders to hand over the Olympic Association to them and on the other hand, the government’s non-cooperation for the management of the Games shows the plight of sports in Andhra Pradesh.

For the last ten years, there is no interest in sports other than politics in the sports sector of Andhra Pradesh. The leaders are desperate to get hold of the elected communities by abandoning those in power. In this sequence, even if the court criticizes and judges, it does not change the path.

National Games will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 this year. Players from all the states of the country participate in these competitions. A few months ago, an invitation was also received from Usha, President of Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association of the Indian Olympic Association. The selection of players has also been decided. The athletes will have to participate in the National Games under the leadership of AP Olympic Association on behalf of Andhra Pradesh. Generally, athletes participating in the National Games representing each state have to represent the AP Olympic Association.

Unresponsive AP government.

The Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association (APOA) has appealed to the state government to provide financial assistance to the athletes representing Andhra Pradesh in the 38th National Games starting from January 28, 2025 in Uttarakhand. APOA President Purushottam expressed concern over the lack of response from the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) for two months, lamenting the lack of minimal response from the government despite repeated requests.

He said that the same difficulties that were being faced for the last two years to participate in the National Games are being faced this year also. He said that financial difficulties are inevitable in matters like transporting players, providing them facilities and providing kits.

He pointed to the financial difficulties faced in sending athletes to the prestigious National Games. It is being said that the promises of providing funds for national sports were never fulfilled in the previous government. SAP, therefore, is appealing to the Chief Minister to intervene.

Special flights from neighboring states

While the state governments of Kerala and Maharashtra are providing special flights to the Olympic teams to participate in the National Games, the government in AP is not even coming forward to pay the train fare. The government, which gives lakhs of rupees to medal winning players, is guilty of not giving minimum incentives to the players.

This year, about 250 players, coaches and representatives from AP are going to the National Games. The inauguration ceremony will take place in the presence of the Prime Minister. Athletes from Andhra Pradesh will have to march in the first row on behalf of the states. However, sports associations are alleging that the government is not helping in providing necessary jerseys and clothes to the AP athletes.

AP Olympic Association says the participation of AP team this year will cost around Rs 33 lakh, but despite sending the proposal to SAP, there has been no response so far. Badeti Venkat Ramaiah, Chief-de-Mission of the AP team in the National Games, said that the cooperation and moral support of the government also boosts the morale of the players. It is being said that the tradition of the Chief Minister bidding farewell to the teams representing the National Games has disappeared due to politics.

The Olympic Association has appealed to the AP government for help in the 2025 National Games, accusing the Chief Minister of being misled by some people. The APOA president accused the Chief Minister of obstructing his efforts to explain the real situation.

(In another article on political pollution in Andhra Pradesh sports sector)