Amaravati Championship-2026 introduces U-17 and U-23 categories to boost youth participation
Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman A. Ravi Naidu announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, that the Amaravati Championship 2026 would be held from
Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman A. Ravi Naidu announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, that the Amaravati Championship 2026 would be held from July 15, and the event will feature more categories to encourage participation from youngsters. Unveiling the poster for the event at the SAAP office in Vijayawada, Mr. Ravi Naidu said while competitions were held only in the Under-22 category last year, this year events will be conducted in the Under-17 and Under-23 categories as well.
The championship, which will be inaugurated by Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, will feature competitions in 12 sports disciplines, including basketball, kabaddi, hockey, weightlifting, and athletics. The organisers are expecting three lakh athletes to participate this year. Ravi Naidu said preliminary selections would be conducted from July 15 to 24 in all 175 Assembly constituencies. District-level competitions will be held from August 1 to 15, while State level competitions are scheduled from August 20 to 25, he said, adding that winners would be given cash prizes at an event on August 29, which is expected to be attended by Chief Minister N.
Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and HRD Minister N. Lokesh. A total prize of ₹94 lakh has been announced for the winners. Ravi Naidu said District Sports Development Officers (DSDOs) and coaches who perform
well at the State level will also be felicitated during the event. SAAP Vice Chairman & Managing Director S. Bharani, SAAP Board Member and international hockey player Rajani, and Chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, also addressed the gathering.
The BriefWire