Sports in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, or “Vizag” as it is often referred to, is the second largest city of Andhra Pradesh, along the mighty shores of the Bay of Bengal located on the eastern coast. Although an industrial city, Vizag has all the serenity of Andhra Pradesh, including hill stations and scenic beaches. The city is the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command. Being famous as one of the most sought after tourist destination in the state, Visakhapatnam by many is also called as the “Jewel of East Coast”. Due to the recent incoming of inhabitants into the city with various employment options, this city thoroughly has changed into a cosmopolitan City.  With the advancement in all the verticals, sports has picked up its importance as well. The city recently co-hosted the 32nd National Games with Hyderabad. 

Like any other city in the nation, Cricket happens to be the most famous sport, followed by football and tennis. Being home to various communities and households, the city has a varied interest in sports as well. Vizag is home to a various local cricketing teams with their participation in District, Cluster and State level. From taking Cricket as a profession to a pass time Gully Cricket, its acceptance is widely spread across the city. Visakhapatnam had 7 cricket stadiums which are always used to host Ranji Trophy matches and two amongst them are used to host National Cricket matches, the city has a lot of potential in taking up Cricket as a profession.

Football in Visakhapatnam

Football being a loved sport not just in the city but the entire nation, the citizens rate football as one of their favorite sport as well. Although, cricket being more famous due to the print and tele-media exposure, football is no less in terms of its history and vicinity. The first football match was organized by the then District Collector Mr. Turner in the year 1888 at the now police barracks in the city. A lot of effort is being put for the development of the sport since 1947 as the District Football Association was formed. A lot of coaching is provided to upcoming football lovers for them to achieve great standards in the sport and eventually be a part of the renowned clubs in India. Here is the list of a few football clubs in the city.

Vizag, being a tourist spot serving home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, water sports have emerged as one of the most enthralling sport in the city and its raring to go ahead with all the advancements. Sea surfing and Sailing are some of the sports to look out for.

Sports in Visakhapatnam has an extensive history ranging from colonial British rule till date. With all the industrial and economic commercialization, sports in the city is pick up speed and is taken up by many youngsters as a profession.