Grassroots surge lifts prospects of water sports in Visakhapatnam

The district-level selections for water sports conducted under the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) in Visakhapatnam have highlighted a steady expansion of the sport’s grassroots base, even as the State moves to strengthen its competitive and training infrastructure. The trials, held for sub-junior and junior categories, will feed into the State-level competitions scheduled for April 11 and 12 at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada.

“Every year, the SAAP conducts district-level league competitions for junior and sub-junior athletes across 32 disciplines. Water sports is one among them,” said Vasupalli Dasa Rao, SAAP water sports coach.

Parallel to the competition structure, efforts to build infrastructure are gathering pace. “During the previous tenure of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, two acres of land were allotted for the development of a water sports academy at Rushikonda. The District Collector, who also serves as the Chairman of the District Sports Authority, and District Sports Development Officer (DSDO) June Gallyot, has been overseeing the process. The establishment of the academy is expected shortly,” Mr. Dasa Rao said.

The proposed academy is envisaged as a multi-disciplinary facility. “It will train enthusiasts in kayaking, canoeing, speed boating, dragon boating, surfing and windsurfing. Athletes from across the State will be able to train at the academy,” he added.

Training activities have already begun in parts. “Sea kayaking training is currently under way at Rushikonda, while plans for river kayaking at Gambheeram Reservoir are in progress. Necessary infrastructure and equipment are being put in place, and the facility is expected to be operational soon,” he said. In Kommadi, a 23-acre SAAP academy is being utilised for multi-sport training, with an indoor rowing facility supporting athlete development.

Geographically, Visakhapatnam continues to offer natural advantages. “Rushikonda remains a prime location for water sports. The beach, along with the waters in Lawson’s Bay, offers favourable conditions due to its natural breakwater. RK Beach and Bheemunipatnam are also suitable venues for hosting dragon boat races,” Mr. Dasa Rao noted, adding that select locations are also being developed with a tourism focus.

A notable trend, he observed, is the growing participation of youth from fishing communities. “A rising number of youngsters from these communities are taking to water sports and showing encouraging progress,” he said.

With policy backing and infrastructure in the pipeline, the outlook appears cautiously optimistic. “The current government has been pushing for the development of water sports in the State, especially in Visakhapatnam. The discipline is expected to gain prominence on par with other States in the coming years,” he said.