Kiran fails on sporting wicket

Kiran fails on sporting wicket

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy seems to have lost a golden opportunity of resurrecting the State as a sports capital of the country.  There was a time when Andhra Pradesh was not only touted as the information technology hub of the country, but also had the finest infrastructure, coaches and had produced some sporting icons.  That was the time when N. Chandrababu Naidu was at the helm of affairs.  He had dared to visualise a State, that would be first in every sphere of activity.   Kiran Kumar Reddy himself being a good cricketer, during his Nizam College days was expected to continue the sporting legacy, when he was put on the throne.   But sadly, he missed the way.   He had some dreams, like constructing stadia in various districts, to tap the neglected rural talent, but he could not live them.

The sports policy which was formulated by Mr Naidu after long-drawn debates, seminars and inputs from across different sporting fora, has never been taken up any kind of review by the present regime.  The sports minister  attends sports function but has he called a meeting of the State's top sportspersons, coaches and officials  and asked for their suggestions on improving the standards of  sport in the State.

The infrastructure exists.  But the Chief Minister has rarely asked his officials why international events were not being held .In the past few years there were only a few big events that were held.  He was seen wielding the bat, like an excited kid or playing some game when inaugurating some championships.  One hardly remembers if he has fulfilled any of the promises he made during these functions.

There was a time when sports thrived in the State.  Badminton, shooting, athletics had seen some super performers on the international scene. But now, there seems to be lethargic approach, that is destroying interest among budding sportspersons. 

When the Gachibowli sports complex, was constructed one had expected round the year activity, in spite of the venue being far,  but with the exception of a few local events, there were only a few big events to boast about.  Again, who is to be blamed?  The Chief Minister, no doubt.  He must have been busy with the unsavoury happenings eversince he took over, but he could have spared some thought for sports, being a sportsman himself.  He has certainly failed to deliver on a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be remembered as sports-loving Chief Minister.