Don Bosco Kohli Sports Academy Opens in Nandigama to Nurture Rural Talent

The Don Bosco Kohli Sports Academy was inaugurated in Nandigama on February 17 with the objective of identifying and nurturing sporting talent from rural areas and helping promising athletes reach national platforms. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) said the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) is actively strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure to ensure that rural youth receive professional training opportunities. He inaugurated the academy along with State Government Whips and MLA Tangirala Soumya .

Speaking at the event, the MP noted that academies in smaller towns play a crucial role in discovering hidden talent that often lacks access to professional coaching and facilities. He emphasized that young people should strive for excellence not only in academics but also in sports, assuring institutional support and training pathways for aspiring players.

He announced that a statewide “Rural Talent Search” programme will be launched on April 5 under the leadership of Minister Nara Lokesh , covering all 88 constituencies. Two-day selection camps will be conducted in each constituency, after which shortlisted players will undergo specialised coaching at the Mulapadu ACA–KDCA Cricket Ground , a major cricket facility near Vijayawada that has hosted international women’s matches.

The MP also revealed plans to establish a BCCI-style Centre of Excellence at Mulapadu to provide advanced training, sports science support, and high-performance coaching. Such initiatives align with the ACA’s broader efforts to build a strong cricket ecosystem across the state. Andhra Pradesh already hosts major cricket venues and academies, including facilities used for national camps and professional competitions.

He further stated that upcoming Andhra Premier League (APL) matches will be held across six major cities to promote cricket at the grassroots and fan engagement statewide. The APL, launched in 2022, is a state-level T20 league organized by the ACA to develop local talent and strengthen the domestic cricket structure.

Additionally, tenders have been invited for the modernization of the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Vijayawada , reflecting ongoing investments in sports infrastructure.

MLA Tangirala Soumya highlighted that sports foster discipline, teamwork, and leadership among youth. In line with the Chief Minister’s vision, small cricket grounds are being developed in every constituency to improve access to sports facilities. She also noted that tenders have been finalized to resolve Nandigama’s drinking water issues.

Municipal Chairperson Krishnakumari, Market Yard Chairman Koganti Babu, Academy Managing Director Durgaprasad, and other officials attended the inauguration.