PV Sindhu Launches Centre of Sports Excellence in Visakhapatnam

Foundation Laid for Sports Centre

PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, is set to contribute to the sport by establishing the 'Centre of Sports Excellence' in Visakhapatnam. The foundation stone for this initiative was laid on Wednesday, with Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh officiating the ceremony in the Arilova area. Sindhu attended the event and expressed her commitment to giving back to badminton after over a decade of competing at the highest level. The facility aims to promote seven different sports, with the hope of nurturing a new generation of champions for India.

A Commitment to Inspire

During her address to the media, Sindhu shared her excitement about the project, stating, "I am thrilled to see this 'Bhumi Puja' take place, and it brings me immense joy. With the presence of Lokesh garu and other officials, we have officially begun this journey, aiming for completion by 2028."

She emphasized her desire to inspire young athletes, saying, "I hope to motivate many children, and I look forward to seeing both girls and boys from this region achieve recognition for our state and country."

Giving Back to the Community

Sindhu, who serves as a deputy collector in the state government, mentioned that she has been allocated land for the sports facility. She expressed her intention to foster a competitive sports environment in Andhra Pradesh, stating, "Having gained so much from sports, I believe it's time to give back. I see a wealth of talent and competition here in Andhra."

She added, "Establishing a world-class facility will allow many children to showcase their abilities and prove themselves. I am excited to be developing this academy here."

Fostering Talent Development

Sindhu explained that the academy will focus on identifying and nurturing talent across various sports. "We will assess young athletes based on their rankings and strengths in different sports. Initially, children may want to try multiple sports, but by the age of nine or ten, they will likely choose one to specialize in. We will provide the necessary support and expertise, including world-class coaching," she noted.

Pathway to Championship

Having extensive experience in badminton, Sindhu understands the journey to becoming a champion. She remarked, "Not everyone can achieve Olympic success; some may take longer to find their path, while others may succeed quickly. The key is to maintain belief and support throughout the journey."

She encouraged young athletes to persevere, stating, "Life will present more challenges than victories, but learning from setbacks is crucial. I want to tell the kids to keep their hopes alive and believe in themselves. I look forward to the grand opening, and it would be an honor to have Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu present. With the backing of the Andhra government and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), I aim to create an exceptional sports institute."