Andhra Pradesh pushes Visakhapatnam as BRICS sports destination

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled plans to establish Visakhapatnam as a sports and recreation centre within the BRICS network, capitalizing on the city's geographical advantages and human resources. The initiative aims to leverage the State's extensive coastline and young, skilled workforce to attract investment in water sports facilities and sports tourism infrastructure.

Naidu's push to position the port city as a regional sports hub aligns with broader efforts to develop Visakhapatnam as a multi-sectoral economic centre. The Chief Minister has invited domestic and international investors to explore opportunities in water sports facilities, training academies, and hospitality services catering to sports tourism.

The move reflects India's growing engagement with BRICS member nations in areas beyond trade and diplomacy. As a coastal city with established port infrastructure and proximity to South and Southeast Asian markets, Visakhapatnam presents logistical advantages for hosting international sporting events and developing sports-related tourism economies.

Andhra Pradesh has previously positioned itself as a destination for various economic initiatives, and the Visakhapatnam sports hub proposal represents a strategic effort to diversify the region's economic portfolio while building youth employment in the sports and hospitality sectors.