Athletics Track – Visakhapatnam Seeks Modern Facility for Emerging Sports Talent
Athletics Track – Visakhapatnam, a city that has contributed several accomplished athletes to Indian sport, is still waiting for a standard 400-metre synthetic athletics track. Coaches and athletes say the long-pending facility is essential for improving training standards and supporting promising competitors from the region.
The city has produced nearly 15 international athletes over the years, including Olympians and Asian-level medal winners. Despite this record, local athletes continue to train on mud surfaces and other basic grounds, which can limit preparation for high-level competitions.
District association renews demand
The Visakhapatnam District Athletics Association has again urged the authorities to establish a synthetic track in the city. The association said the lack of a professional athletics facility has forced many competitors to travel to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and other cities to access advanced training infrastructure.
Such travel is often difficult for young athletes and their families because of the financial burden involved. Coaches believe that a local track would allow trainees to receive regular practice under more suitable conditions without having to leave the district.
Coastal climate seen as an advantage
According to the association, Visakhapatnam has weather conditions that are favourable for athletics training throughout much of the year. Its coastal setting could make the city a strong location for a high-performance athletics centre, provided the required infrastructure is created.
The proposed track would not be limited to athletes from Visakhapatnam alone. Participants from neighbouring districts, including Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Anakapalli, could also use the facility for training and competitions.
The association said this wider regional access would help create a stronger athletics ecosystem across North Coastal Andhra. It could also encourage more school and college students to take up track and field events seriously.
Better facilities could support young athletes
A standard synthetic track is considered important for sprinting, middle-distance running, hurdles, relays and other athletics events. Training on uneven or mud tracks can increase the risk of injury and does not provide the same competitive conditions available at major events.
The association said a modern track would help coaches assess athletes more accurately and prepare them for district, state and national competitions. It would also give young sportspersons exposure to facilities similar to those used in recognised athletics meets.
General secretary M. Narayana Rao said athletes from Visakhapatnam had delivered notable results at national and international levels despite the shortage of basic sports infrastructure. He noted that the demand for a synthetic track has been pending for more than 15 years.
With more young people showing interest in athletics, he said the requirement has become increasingly urgent. A dedicated facility, he added, could help identify and develop talent at an earlier stage.
Scope to host larger competitions
The association believes the proposed project would strengthen Visakhapatnam’s ability to organise state and national-level athletics events. Hosting recognised competitions could bring athletes, coaches and officials from across the country to the city while giving local competitors an opportunity to perform on their home ground.
A synthetic track could also support sports academies, schools and colleges that currently depend on limited training spaces. The facility may create opportunities for regular coaching camps, selection trials and athletics development programmes.
Link to Andhra Pradesh sports policy
The association said the proposal is consistent with the Andhra Pradesh Sports Policy 2024-29, which focuses on expanding sports infrastructure and encouraging sporting excellence across the state.
It has appealed to the government to consider the project on priority. The association said that a standard athletics track in Visakhapatnam would be a significant step towards giving local athletes the facilities needed to compete at higher levels.