P.V. Sindhu Breaks Ground on World-Class Multi-Sport Academy in Visakhapatnam
Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu has officially launched an ambitious two lakh square foot athletic hub designed to nurture India's next generation of elite competitors. The integrated campus in Visakhapatnam will provide professional facilities across seven disciplines, including a massive high-perform
Key takeaways
- P.V. Sindhu and Nara Lokesh laid the foundation for a 200,000 sq. ft. multi-sport center in Visakhapatnam.
- The facility will support seven disciplines, featuring an 8,000 sq. ft. high-performance strength and conditioning arena.
- Construction is expected to be finalized by May 2028, offering international-standard training for budding Indian athletes.
On August 5, 2026, two-time Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu and Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT & HRD, laid the foundation stone for the P.V. Sindhu Centre for Sports Excellence in Visakhapatnam. This expansive development, covering nearly two lakh square feet, represents an integrated ecosystem combining education and professional athletic training. While the project initially focused on badminton, consultation with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu led to an expanded scope covering seven distinct sports: badminton, table tennis, swimming, shooting, football, basketball, and chess.
Background
The concept for the center grew from Sindhu's desire to leave a lasting legacy beyond her personal trophy cabinet. To ensure the facility met international standards, Sindhu and her husband, Venkata Datta Sai, conducted extensive research by visiting premier sports institutions in Australia, Milan, and Doha. The athlete described these trips as essential learning missions to identify global best practices in infrastructure and athlete recovery, specifically citing Doha's Aspetar as a benchmark for their strength and conditioning design.
Key Facts
- Badminton: Nine courts built to international standards, suitable for hosting BWF International Challenge events.
- Table Tennis: A dedicated hall featuring nine professional-grade tables.
- Aquatics: A 25-meter performance pool for elite-level conditioning.
- Shooting: Indoor ranges at 10m and 25m for national and international competition prep.
- High-Performance Engine Room: An 8,000 sq. ft. arena featuring sports science, load monitoring, physiotherapy, and yoga.
- Timeline: Construction is slated for completion by May 2028.
Why It Matters
Sindhu emphasizes that this institution aims to bridge the gap between raw talent and international success. The center is designed to let children sample various sports before specializing, providing a structured pathway toward the Olympic podium. By offering world-class facilities locally, the project seeks to prove that Indian athletes can reach elite status when provided with the right environment and scientific support. Sindhu noted that while her medals represent personal honor, she views this institution as her ultimate contribution to the nation's sporting future.
What Happens Next
Development will continue over the next two years with an expected opening in mid-2028. The facility will operate as a multi-sport hub where all seven disciplines are treated with equal priority. The long-term goal is to transform the state and the country into a consistent source of Olympic-caliber talent through a science-backed, institution-led approach to athlete development.
Source: The Hindu — Sport
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