Sports in Andhra Pradesh has its own importance, where many sporting personalities were into limelight. The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) undertakes the sports development activities such as construction of stadiums, establishment of sports academies and other sporting related activities. The sports infrastructure have increased tremendously by improving infrastructure in outdoor and Indoor stadiums, play fields, sports academies, sports equipments etc.[1]Traditional sports such as kho kho, kabaddi are played mostly in Andhra Pradesh.Most sports players from Andhra pradesh represent national level competitions and very few international competitions.
Humpy Koneru, from Gudivada of Krishna district of the state, is an Indian chessGrandmaster. Koneru (during 2002-08 period), held the record as the youngest woman ever to become a grand master.[5] In 2001 she won the World Junior Girls Chess Championship. She is currently in the lead in the FIDE Women's Grand Prix 2013–2014 and won many awards namely Asia's youngest International Woman Master (1999), World under-14 championship, Castellan, Spain (2001), India's youngest Woman Grand Master (2001), World Junior Championship, Athens (2001), Arjuna Award in (2003).[6]
Karnam Malleswari, the first female Indian to win an Olympic medal, hails from Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. She won the bronze medal on 19 September 2000, in the 69 kg category with a lift of 240 kg.[13]Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao, the first male Indian to win 13 Year national weightlifting champion.