Chandrababu Naidu's Impact on Sports: Sania Mirza's Tribute

During a notable assembly at the 2025 Republic Plenary Summit, both Chandrababu Naidu and tennis icon Sania Mirza were highlighted figures. Naidu, recognized for his visionary leadership, has been instrumental in advancing various sectors, including sports, in Southern India. Mirza, a celebrated athlete, acknowledged the pivotal role Naidu played during her formative years, attributing her successful career to the support and opportunities facilitated by his administration. The presence of these two personalities underscored the symbiotic relationship between political leadership and sports development.

Sania Mirza reminisced about the early days of her tennis journey, emphasizing the significant support from Chandrababu Naidu, who was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh at the time. Mirza pointed out the stark contrast between the opportunities available then and now, highlighting Naidu's exceptional efforts in promoting sports. "Chandra Babu Naidu garu was the chief minister while I was growing up back then. I had wonderful interactions with him. We were one of the few states when I was younger, compared to other states, that actually incredible sporting ventures like National Games. We are talking about 25 years ago," Mirza shared, shedding light on the then unique position of Andhra Pradesh in nurturing sports talent.

The dialogue at the summit brought to the forefront the evolution of sports sponsorship in India, with corporate companies now actively supporting athletes. This shift was contrasted with the scenario decades ago when such backing was scarce. The discussion revolved around Naidu's foresight and initiative in promoting sports, which not only enhanced the infrastructure for various athletic disciplines but also laid a foundation for future champions like Sania Mirza. The conversation concluded with an acknowledgment of Naidu's role as a catalyst in the development of sports infrastructure and talent in Southern India, highlighting his contribution beyond the conventional domains of politics and industry.