Visakhapatnam pitched as hub for BRICS youth and sports network

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday proposed Visakhapatnam as the centre of a proposed BRICS Youth and Sports Innovation Network, addressing the cultural programme of the BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026 in the city. He welcomed delegates from the 11 member countries and described Visakhapatnam as “a jewel on India’s eastern coast” and the “City of Destiny”.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Naidu highlighted the city’s credentials, calling it a leading hub for jobs and talent, and one of the safest cities in India for women. He said Visakhapatnam was being developed as a maritime gateway and a technology and innovation hub, with considerable potential for water sports and sports tourism.

Mr. Naidu emphasised that sports could serve as a unifying thread among BRICS nations despite differences in language, culture and geography. He described sports as “not just competition, but a culture and a way of life”. He also noted that yoga and meditation, alongside sports, were part of the Indian approach to addressing stress among young people, and that a strong society depended on healthy citizens.

The Chief Minister outlined the economic potential of sports development, stating that it created employment for athletes, coaches and trainers, while sports tourism opened up opportunities for investment and the hosting of international events.

He said state-run academies and Centres of Excellence were being established as part of a comprehensive sports system. The Amaravati Sports City was envisaged as the hub of a full-fledged sports ecosystem, while Nellore was being developed as a centre for the manufacture of sports equipment, apparel and technology.

Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh was ready for sports partnerships with BRICS nations and proposed the establishment of a BRICS Youth and Sports Innovation Network centred on Visakhapatnam. The network, he said, could facilitate the exchange of athletes and coaches among member countries.

He invited investment in water sports, sports tourism and international sporting events, citing the state’s skilled youth, technological infrastructure and long coastline as its strengths.

The BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026 is being held in Visakhapatnam, bringing together ministerial delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and other member nations to discuss cooperation in youth affairs and sports.