Parents, coaches play vital role in nurturing sportspersons: Minister

Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy on Sunday said that parents and coaches play an invaluable role in helping young sportspersons realise their potential. He was speaking at the valedictory function of the summer coaching camps organised by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh at the DSA Indoor Stadium in Gopalapatnam.

The Minister said that the State government was giving priority to the development of sports by providing quality training, modern infrastructure and incentives to athletes. He noted that sports not only foster discipline and self-confidence among youth but also opens up employment opportunities.

District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore lauded the athletes, parents and coaches for their contribution to sports. Visakhapatnam West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu (Gana Babu) said summer coaching camps serve as platforms for identifying and nurturing future sporting talent and reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Visakhapatnam as a sports hub.

Dronacharya and Arjuna Award recipients were felicitated on the occasion, and certificates were presented to participants who excelled in the camps. Demonstrations by young athletes drew appreciation from the audience. SAAP Board Director M. Durga Ramesh Kumar, DSDO June Gallyot, Olympic Association secretary, K. Suryanarayana, Dronacharya awardee Ramana Rao, coaches, sportspersons and parents were present.