Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu held discussions with former Indian cricket team captain and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) chairman Kapil Dev for development of sports in AP, including golf.
Kapil Dev reached Vijayawada on Tuesday. He first met Andhra Cricket Association president and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath. Later Kapil Dev and the MP met Chandrababu Naidu and discussed in detail measures to develop sports in AP.
During the discussions, the AP Chief Minister disclosed his government’s intention to establish an international golf course in Amaravati and premier golf courses in Anantapur and Visakhapatnam.
Chandrababu Naidu said, “It was a pleasure to meet our legendary cricketer and chairman of PGTI Kapil Dev and his delegation today. We discussed expanding the sports landscape in Andhra Pradesh, with special emphasis on starting an international golf course club in Amaravati and premier golf course clubs in Anantapur and Vizag. This will foster a passion for golf among our youth and encourage the next generation of golfers. We look forward to collaborating with sports icons to make Andhra Pradesh a true hub for sporting excellence.”
Kapil Dev said the CM held a special discussion on golf. He said he is feeling blessed with Chandrababu Naidu’s support for development of sports in AP. He said he will dedicatedly work on sports promotion in the state by visiting AP frequently.
MP Sivanath said the Chief Minister has asked Kapil Dev to be the ambassador of sports for AP and Kapil has agreed. He said there is a plan to develop golf in the state. For the purpose, a golf course will be set up not only in Amaravati but also in Anantapur, where the Kia factory is located. Many of the Kia employees go to Bangalore to play golf. He revealed that the golf course will first come up in Anantapur, followed by Vizag and Capital Amaravati.
The MP said he wants to have a team from AP in the Golf Premier League. He further emphasised that they are going to start cricket academies, so that young cricketers of the state can play at national and international levels, apart from IPL.
Sivanath underlined that three centres for sports excellence are going to be opened in the state. Cricket grounds will be developed in rural areas, like Araku and Kalyanadurgam.
