Naidu pitches Visakhapatnam as hub for BRICS sports network

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has positioned Visakhapatnam as a central hub for a new BRICS sports network during the BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026, which took place in the city on Saturday. During a cultural program hosted as part of the meeting, Mr. Naidu welcomed delegates from all 11 BRICS member states and highlighted the city's strategic advantages for sports-related activities. Visakhapatnam, located on India’s eastern coast, was described by Mr. Naidu as a “jewel” and the “City of Destiny.” He emphasized the city's status as a leader in job creation and talent development, noting its ranking among the safest urban centers in India for women. Additionally, he pointed to the city's ongoing transformation into a maritime gateway and a center for technology and innovation. These developments, he argued, position Visakhapatnam well for growth in water sports and sports tourism. Speaking on the role of sports in fostering unity among BRICS nations, Mr. Naidu noted that despite linguistic, cultural, and geographical differences, sports can act as a common thread. He framed sports not merely as a competitive activity but as a vital component of culture and lifestyle. Emphasizing India’s holistic approach to youth wellness, he linked sports with practices such as yoga and meditation, suggesting they collectively help address stress among younger generations. According to him, a robust society relies on the health and vitality of its citizens. Mr. Naidu outlined the economic benefits of investing in sports, highlighting how the sector generates employment for athletes, coaches, and trainers. He also pointed to the potential of sports tourism to attract investment and host international events. As part of this vision, he mentioned the establishment of state-run academies and Centers of Excellence aimed at building a comprehensive sports infrastructure. Amaravati Sports City is envisioned as the core of a fully integrated sports ecosystem within the state, while Nellore is being developed as a manufacturing hub for sports equipment, apparel, and related technologies. These initiatives reflect a broader strategy to leverage Andhra Pradesh’s resources and capabilities to support national and international sports ambitions. In his proposal, Mr. Naidu called for closer collaboration between Andhra Pradesh and other BRICS nations through a proposed BRICS Youth and Sports Innovation Network based in Visakhapatnam. This network would aim to promote the exchange of athletes and coaches across member countries, enhancing cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing. He also extended an invitation to investors interested in capitalizing on the state’s youthful population, advanced technological infrastructure, and extensive coastline, which offer unique opportunities for developing sports-related industries. The meeting, attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, underscored the growing importance of sports diplomacy in strengthening ties among BRICS nations. With the state actively pursuing initiatives to enhance its sports infrastructure and global connectivity, Visakhapatnam appears poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of regional sports collaboration.