Visakhapatnam
Badminton star P.V. Sindhu performed the Bhumi Puja for her much-anticipated badminton academy in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. Accompanied by her parents, the Olympic silver medallist took part in traditional rituals in the Thotaguru area.
The academy will be built on two acres of land allocated by the Andhra Pradesh government in 2021. Sindhu expressed her excitement for the upcoming project and stated that the construction would begin soon, with hopes for completion within the year. The 29-year-old champion emphasized that the primary goal of the academy is to train young talent and groom them for top-level competition.
Taking to social media, Sindhu shared her enthusiasm for the project: “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.”
The idea for the academy began in 2019 when Sindhu, after winning her first BWF World Championships gold, requested land from then Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to set up a badminton academy in the city. In response, the government allocated two acres of land in 2021, and the academy’s construction is now set to begin.
Sindhu has vowed to develop sports in Andhra Pradesh, with plans to expand into a sports school after the academy is completed. While still actively competing, Sindhu plans to take on the academy’s training responsibilities once she retires from playing.
