Inauguration of ASTRA – Apollo Sports Training and Recreational Arena
The Playground of The Apollo University came alive on 21st February 2026 as ASTRA – Apollo Sports Training and Recreational Arena was formally inaugurated at 3:30 PM. The occasion marked the realization of a vision to strengthen the culture of sports and holistic development within the campus.
The ceremony began with the reception of Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. The inauguration was held in the presence of Dr. Ravi Raju Tatapudi, Pro-Chancellor, The Apollo University; Mr. Sivaramakrishnan Venkateswaran, CEO, Apollo Knowledge, the Registrar of The Apollo University; Prof. M. Potharaju, Dean, AIMSR; Dr. Alfred J. Augustine; Mr. Balraj S., Unit Head, AKC; Dr. T. Jayanthi; and the Deans of The Apollo University, along with faculty members and students.
ASTRA – Apollo Sports Training and Recreational Arena – is a dedicated sports initiative of Apollo Knowledge City, planned as a dynamic space where physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork complement academic excellence. Designed to provide structured sporting facilities, ASTRA includes well-developed courts and grounds for basketball, football, and volleyball, creating opportunities for both recreational engagement and competitive training.
Beyond infrastructure, ASTRA symbolizes focused energy and purposeful action. Rooted in the Indian meaning of the word “Astra,” which signifies a force guided by precision and strength, the arena represents determination, resilience, and the channeling of youthful potential into achievement. It stands as a reflection of holistic education — shaping not only skilled professionals but also confident, disciplined, and spirited individuals.
ASTRA – the Main Sports Complex – was formally opened by Dr. Preetha Reddy with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This was followed by the inauguration of the Basketball Sports Complex, Football Filed, and Volleyball Sports Complex. An overview of ASTRA was then presented, outlining its purpose as a platform to nurture discipline, resilience, and leadership through sport. The arena, equipped with dedicated courts and grounds, was introduced not merely as infrastructure but as a foundation for sports spirit among students.
In her address, Dr. Preetha Reddy highlighted the importance of balancing academic rigor with physical vitality. She emphasized that sports instill perseverance, integrity, and teamwork — qualities essential for professional and personal success. Encouraging students to dream beyond boundaries, she described ASTRA as a starting point from which aspirations could rise toward state and national arenas. She encouraged students to view the arena as a platform urging them to train with dedication and dream ambitiously. Dr. Reddy wishes that every stride on this field and every serve across this court carry you closer to the day the students rise to represent the country.
Mr. Sivaramakrishnan Venkateswaran, CEO, Apollo Knowledge City, congratulated the Projects Team for their dedicated efforts in successfully designing and executing the initiative under the guidance of Mr. Satyanarayana Reddy V, Cheif Operating Trustee - AHET, in alignment with the proposed vision and plan. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks at bringing the ceremony to a graceful close. The inauguration of ASTRA stands as a landmark moment in the University’s journey, strengthening its vision of integrating sporting spirit with academic excellence and shaping champions both on and off the field.