Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Friday that the government will introduce a new sports policy soon. There are also plans to build an international standard cricket stadium at Begarikancha on the outskirts of the city.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during a discussion on the Telangana (Regulation of Appointments to Public Services and Rationalisation of Staff Pattern and Pay Structure) Amendment Bill 2024. He emphasized that the government is prioritizing sports by allocating Rs 361 crore.
Previously, the state had hosted the Afro-Asian Games, but the last government neglected sports. “We aim to create the best sports policy,” said Revanth Reddy. He mentioned that they are studying various state policies, noting that Haryana has an excellent sports policy. Talks with the BCCI have begun for the construction of another international cricket stadium. The new policy is expected to be introduced in the next session.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that existing sports facilities in the city are underutilized. “It is our responsibility to create interest among students. I am personally interested in sports, and everyone should give suggestions,” he said. He noted that venues like Yusufguda Indoor Stadium are being used for film promotions, Gachibowli for marriage functions, and LB Stadium and Saroornagar stadium for political purposes.
Revanth Reddy also spoke about relaxing the rules to provide job opportunities for sportspersons. Indian cricketer Md Siraj was given an exemption for Group-1 job qualifications, and international boxer Nikhat Zareen was also awarded a Group-1 post. The state cabinet decided to allocate 600 square yards of house sites each to shooter Esha Singh, Nikhat Zareen, and Md Siraj. Siraj will be given direct entry to high-ranking police positions like Deputy Superintendent of Police if he chooses to join the force.
The Chief Minister assured that sports competitions for MLAs would be held in the next session. If the Speaker permits, a committee will be formed to organize these competitions during the next budget session.
Congress member Makhan Raj Singh Thakur suggested making sports a compulsory subject in schools. He also urged the government to support students from the sports school in Hakimpet, who have nowhere to go after completing Class XII. He demanded the establishment of a sports university in the state. BRS member P Kaushik Reddy requested similar support for cricketers like Pragyan Ojha, Ambati Rayudu, and badminton star Jwala Gutta.
