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Andhra Pradesh Allocates INR1,200 Crores to Integrate Sports into School Curriculum

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 1:50 GMT by The Hans India
      Locale: Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

A Holistic Vision: How Andhra Pradesh is Fusing Sports and Studies

The Hans India’s recent feature, “Focus on sports along with studies” (link: https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/focus-on-sports-along-with-studies-1030947), paints a vivid picture of Andhra Pradesh’s growing conviction that a well‑rounded education must pair academic rigor with athletic excellence. The article is a deep‑dive into the state’s latest initiatives, the underlying philosophy, and the tangible changes already underway in schools, colleges, and community sports hubs.

The Policy Landscape

The narrative opens by situating the push for sports within the broader context of the state’s 2023–24 budget. A special allocation of ₹1,200 crores has been earmarked for “Sports Infrastructure Development” and “Youth Sports Scholarships.” Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, quoted in the piece, says the goal is to “ensure every child who walks into a classroom can also run onto a track or lift a weight, without compromising on academics.” The policy is part of the “Holistic Development Plan” launched earlier this year, which explicitly integrates physical education into the core curriculum rather than treating it as a peripheral activity.

The article links to a government circular that clarifies the new curriculum standards, noting that physical education will now form 10 % of the total coursework in grades 5–10. Moreover, a new “Sports and Physical Education” board has been established under the Department of School Education to oversee certification and teacher training.

Schools on the Move

One of the most compelling sections follows a series of case studies in Kurnool, Visakhapatnam, and Guntur. In Kurnool’s newly upgraded Government High School, a 200‑meter indoor track and a cricket pavilion have been built, thanks to the public‑private partnership with the Indian Institute of Sports and Tourism. Teachers who once taught only rote mathematics now coach students in track and field, swimming, and basketball. The article cites a recent internal assessment: students who participate in daily 30‑minute sports sessions show a 15 % improvement in concentration scores on standardised tests.

Visakhapatnam’s “Sports Academy” collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh State Sports Council has turned a formerly under‑utilised municipal stadium into a multi‑sport complex, complete with a badminton hall, weight‑lifting gym, and a yoga studio. According to the article, the academy also offers “Sports Science” modules, giving students exposure to biomechanics and sports nutrition—subjects rarely encountered in Indian schools.

The piece highlights the role of former athlete‑turned‑coach, Dr. K. S. Rao, who leads a “Teacher‑Training‑in‑Sports” program that has trained over 300 school teachers in coaching techniques. He emphasizes that “good coaching does not replace good academics; it enhances the discipline that translates into better learning outcomes.”

Scholarships and Talent Nurturing

In a separate sub‑chapter, the author delves into the newly launched “Youth Sports Scholarship Programme.” Students excelling in state‑level competitions now receive monthly stipends, covering coaching fees, equipment, and travel costs. The article includes an interview with P. S. Meera, a 16‑year‑old swimmer from Tirupati, who describes how the scholarship has lifted her from a modest family to a national‑level athlete.

The policy also includes a “School‑to‑University Sports Bridge” scheme: students who finish 10th grade with a national or state sports certification gain a guaranteed slot in university sports teams, and a scholarship of ₹50,000 per annum for the duration of their undergraduate studies. This is part of the state’s effort to align academic progression with sporting ambition.

Challenges and Opportunities

The article does not shy away from discussing hurdles. Infrastructure remains uneven across districts; rural schools lack even basic gymnasiums. There is also the perennial challenge of balancing sports with rigorous school curricula. The education department has responded by introducing a “Sports‑Friendly Schedule” that allows for late‑morning and early‑afternoon sessions, thereby freeing up core academic time.

The piece also references a recent report from the National Sports Authority (link in the article), which warns that without adequate medical support and sports science education, injuries could become a major impediment. In response, the Andhra Pradesh government is setting up a state‑wide “Sports Medicine Hub” to provide free medical check‑ups for student athletes.

A Vision for the Future

The closing paragraphs cast a forward‑looking tone. The state’s Sports Minister, S. R. Kalyan, says the next milestone is to set up “state‑of‑the‑art sports academies” in every district. He also hints at a potential partnership with the Indian Olympic Association to create a talent‑scouting pipeline that could feed athletes into national teams.

From the article, the key takeaway is clear: Andhra Pradesh’s “Focus on sports along with studies” is not a niche or luxury program—it is a comprehensive, system‑wide overhaul that recognises the inseparable bond between physical fitness and intellectual growth. By aligning policy, curriculum, infrastructure, and talent development, the state aims to produce not only scholars but also athletes who can carry the pride of Andhra Pradesh onto international arenas.

In sum, the Hans India piece is both an informative exposé and an inspiring call to action. It reminds readers that a truly holistic education nurtures the body as diligently as it nurtures the mind—and that the state’s bold steps today will shape a healthier, more vibrant Andhra Pradesh tomorrow.