Sania Mirza Credits Chandrababu Naidu for Boosting Sports in AP

During the 2025 Republic Plenary Summit, Chandrababu Naidu made a visit as a special guest and shared his thoughts on several aspects. Coincidentally, Tennis champion Sania Mirza was also present at the event. Sania Mirza’s tennis career needs no introduction and she owes her developmental years to the strong support offered by the then Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu.

When Chandra Babu Naidu walked in, he was introduced to the crowd as a visionary leader. “Chandra Babu is not only someone who promoted industry but also promoted sport extensively more than any other Southern Indian leader. Today, there are a lot of people and corporate companies that are coming forward to encourage sports persons. But what was the situation back then,” the host asked Sania.

Sania recalled her several interactions with Naidu, and said that his efforts to support multiple sports paved the way for several athletes to have a fruitful career.

“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,” revealed Sania Mirza.