Telangana Chief Minister Announces New International Cricket Stadium on Hyderabad’s Outskirts
Hyderabad, August 2, 2024 — In a major boost to Telangana’s sports infrastructure, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced plans for a new international cricket stadium on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The stadium will be built at Begarikancha, a site where the foundation was laid for Young India Skills University a day earlier. The announcement was made during the Chief Minister’s address to the Telangana state Assembly on Friday.
The proposed stadium, aimed at bolstering the state’s sporting landscape, is expected to further elevate Hyderabad’s status as a major hub for international sports. The Chief Minister revealed that preliminary discussions had already been held with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the project.
Focus on Sports Infrastructure and Policy
During his address, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized the need for a stronger focus on sports infrastructure in Telangana. “The state government will take all necessary steps to promote sports in the state,” he assured. He also announced plans to introduce a comprehensive sports policy in the near future, aimed at fostering greater athletic development across Telangana.
The upcoming sports policy is currently under review, with the government studying the highly successful model implemented in Haryana. “We will soon announce the sports policy,” he stated, adding that the final version will be presented during the next session of the Telangana Assembly. The Chief Minister encouraged opposition parties to contribute ideas and suggestions to promote sports and strengthen the policy framework.
To back these developments, the Telangana government has allocated Rs 321 crore for sports in the state budget for the financial year 2024-25, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving sports facilities and opportunities.
New Cricket Stadium to Boost Hyderabad’s Sporting Profile
The announcement of the new cricket stadium comes as a welcome addition to Hyderabad’s sporting infrastructure. Once completed, the stadium will join the ranks of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, which has long served as the city’s premier venue for international and IPL matches.
Situated at Begarikancha, a developing area on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the new stadium is expected to offer world-class facilities for both players and spectators. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to decentralize sporting venues and avoid over-reliance on central locations within the city.
Hyderabad has been a major destination for cricket and other sports, but the growing demand for infrastructure has led to the need for additional venues. The new cricket stadium is expected to accommodate a larger audience, provide modern amenities, and host international tournaments, further enhancing Hyderabad’s position in the global cricketing circuit.
Reviving Sports in Telangana’s Existing Facilities
While announcing the new stadium, Revanth Reddy also raised concerns about the declining usage of existing sports infrastructure in the state. “Sports activities have come down at Yousufguda, Gachibowli, and Saroornagar stadiums,” he noted. The Chief Minister pointed out that the famed LB Stadium, once a central venue for sporting events, has been increasingly used for political purposes rather than athletic activities.
In response, the state government plans to rejuvenate these venues by improving facilities and expanding their use for sports. The goal is to revive the athletic culture in Hyderabad and across Telangana by making sports more accessible and engaging for citizens, particularly the youth.
Conclusion
With a clear focus on developing world-class sports infrastructure, Telangana is positioning itself as a leading sports destination in India. The planned international cricket stadium at Begarikancha is a step toward creating a sporting ecosystem that nurtures talent, promotes healthy competition, and attracts global attention.
As the Telangana government prepares to unveil its new sports policy, there is optimism that these developments will lead to more opportunities for aspiring athletes in the state and inspire greater participation in sports at all levels. With a sizable budget allocation and strategic focus, the future of sports in Telangana looks bright, with both local and international prospects poised for growth.
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