Telangana govt to formulate new sports policy, talks on with BCCI to set up cricket stadium

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced that the government will create a new sports policy to extensively promote sports. He praised Haryana’s sports policy and stated that the proposed policy will be discussed in the upcoming Legislative Assembly session. During the Assembly session, the Chief Minister mentioned that preliminary discussions have been held with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to construct an international standard cricket stadium near Begari Kanche.

This stadium will be located close to the skill development university being established by the government. The government plans to provide the land for the stadium, while the BCCI has expressed interest in its construction.

The discussion also included an amendment bill to offer employment in Group-1 Services (Dy Superintendent of Police) to boxer Nikhat Zareen and cricketer Mohammed Siraj, recognizing their exceptional performances at the international level. The government is willing to waive the educational qualifications for Siraj to enable his appointment.

Chief Minister Reddy emphasized the importance of promoting sports on a large scale to deter youth from developing negative habits.

He expressed concern over the limited use of sports facilities in Hyderabad and mentioned the government’s commitment to implementing a special action plan to address this issue and boost interest in sports among students. He also highlighted the significant budget allocation of over Rs 361 crore for sports in the current budget.

In response to a proposal from the CPI, Chief Minister Reddy indicated the government’s willingness to consider renaming the Telugu University after the late freedom fighter, journalist, and poet, Suravaram Pratap Reddy, pending agreement from other political parties.