Statewide Amaravati Championship 2.0 Kicks Off with ₹94 Lakh Prize Pool

The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) will roll out the Amaravati Championship 2.0 across the state from July 15 , in a major push to strengthen grassroots sports and identify promising young athletes. The initiative is part of the state government's broader vision of building a 'Sports Andhra Pradesh' by creating a structured pathway for talent development from the constituency level to the state stage.

Unveiling the official poster for the championship at the SAAP headquarters in Vijayawada, SAAP Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu said the tournament would be conducted in all 175 Assembly constituencies . Competitions will be held in 12 sporting disciplines for athletes in the Under-17 and Under-23 categories, providing a competitive platform for students and youth across Andhra Pradesh.

The championship is expected to witness the participation of more than three lakh students and young athletes , making it one of the largest state-level grassroots sporting events. To encourage excellence, the government has announced cash prizes worth ₹94 lakh for winners.

According to the schedule, the constituency-level competitions will begin on July 15 , followed by district-level events from August 1 to 15 . The state-level championship will be conducted between August 20 and 25 , with the winners to be felicitated on August 29 , coinciding with National Sports Day , which commemorates the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand .

Speaking on the occasion, Animini Ravi Naidu said the government is committed to supporting talented athletes at an early stage rather than waiting until they achieve success on the national or international stage. He noted that sustained investment in grassroots competitions is essential for producing future champions and enhancing Andhra Pradesh's sporting profile.

SAAP Managing Director Bharani described the championship as a valuable opportunity for students from schools, colleges and universities to test their abilities in a structured competitive environment. He urged educational institutions, coaches and aspiring athletes across the state to participate enthusiastically and help make Amaravati Championship 2.0 a landmark sporting event.