Lokesh lays foundation stone for PV Sindhu Center for Sports Excellence in Vizag

Ace badminton star PV Sindhu’s dream project got a flying shot in its arm on Wednesday as Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh minister for education and IT, performed the groundbreaking ceremony and also laid the foundation stone for the PV Sindhu Center for Sports Excellence at Thotagaruvu in the Arilova area of ​​Visakhapatnam.

“I am very happy and excited. Today, we performed the Bhoomi Puja and laid the foundation stone, which gave me immense pleasure…I am delighted that we have officially begun this journey. I have also set a timeline, and we aim to complete the project by 2028. The work will begin soon. I hope this academy inspires many children. I want to see boys and girls from here bring laurels to the state as well as to the nation,” Sindhu posted on X.

The academy is coming up on land allotted by the Andhra Pradesh government in 2021.

Upon his arrival at the academy premises in Thotagaruvu, Lokesh was accorded a grand welcome by Sindhu, her family members, TDP public representatives, party workers, and the public.

Subsequently, the minister laid the foundation stone for the Center for Sports Excellence alongside Sindhu and the minister for sports, Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy.

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Lokesh unveiled the commemorative plaque installed for the occasion. He inquired about the academy’s building design and the state-of-the-art facilities and amenities to be made available to athletes. He also viewed an audiovisual presentation about the academy.

TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao, Visakhapatnam East MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, SAAP chairman Animini Ravi Naidu, SAAP MD S Bharani, and Greenko Energy Efficiency Technologies Pvt Ltd director Chalamalasetti Swathi, among others, participated in the event.

Bhoomi puja in November 2024

In fact, Sindhu and her parents had performed the Bhoomi puja (groundbreaking ceremony) in November 2024. Accompanied by her parents, the Olympic silver medallist participated in the rituals conducted by priests.

On her Instagram account, Sindhu had said: “Excited to break ground on the PV Sindhu Center for Badminton and Sports Excellence in Visakhapatnam! This isn’t just a facility; it’s the future—a bold step to elevate the next generation of champions and ignite the spirit of excellence in Indian sports. With the unwavering support of my amazing team and partners, we are building something that will inspire, empower, and shape the future of Indian sports for generations to come!!!!”

“I’m truly grateful to be building this center for the incredible people of Vizag,” Sindhu had said at that time. “In choosing a location, I couldn’t imagine a better place than this wonderful city. This center will be a space where athletes of all levels and from any discipline can find a home – and a mentor – dedicated to guiding the next generation to the top.”

Sindhu and her parents at the groundbreaking ceremony held in November 2024

The PV Sindhu Center for Badminton and Sports Excellence promises to build a world-class facility dedicated to nurturing and empowering athletes across multiple sports and disciplines.

“I’ve always dreamed of building a place where young players can truly thrive, with world-class training and the support they need to reach their full potential. This center is more than just a facility – it’s a call to action,” she added.

Sindhu had also noted that she felt that it was her responsibility to lead the way and guide the next generation. “With the tremendous support athletes receive from BAI and SAI, I feel I am in a unique position to make a difference. I’m deeply motivated to create something that will not only elevate Indian badminton but contribute to the growth of sports in our country as a whole,” she further stated.

Sindhu’s team also noted that the project is deeply meaningful to her and the center represents her commitment to giving back to the sport and community that have supported her journey.