RDT believes that participation of youth in sports is necessary for the growth, self-esteem, and confidence of rural children. In light of this, Rural Development Trust (RDT), has been undertaking suitable initiatives since the year 2000, by starting Anantapur Sports Academy (ASA). ASA is committed to providing participating youth with equipment, infrastructure and coaching support to bring out hidden sporting abilities of rural children and youth in different sporting disciplines. Apart from promoting sports amongst the underprivileged children and youth of Anantapur, the program is also contributing towards their socio-educational development.
A total of 6,867 children and youth, with 38% being girls participate in regular and weekly programs in the 7 sporting disciplines of Cricket, Football, Hockey, Tennis, Judo, Softball, and Kabaddi.
ASA’s Sport Development Model
ASA’s programs are run via three avenues throughout the district of Anantapur: Grassroot Programs, Regional Development Centres and the Anantapur Sports Village (ASV).