Chiranjeevi Expresses Pride as Upasana Kamineni Appointed Co-Chairperson of Telangana Sports Hub Board!
In a proud and celebratory moment for the Konidela family and the state of Telangana, veteran actor and philanthropist Chiranjeevi Konidela expressed immense happiness as his daughter-in-law, Upasana Kamineni Konidela, was appointed as the Co-Chairperson of the Telangana Sports Hub Board. The appointment has not only garnered attention from the Telugu film industry and business circles but also from sports and wellness advocates across the country.
Chiranjeevi, a household name in Indian cinema and a former Union Minister of Tourism, took to social media and press interactions to convey his pride. He stated that Upasana’s new role signifies a positive step toward integrating health, youth empowerment, and community-driven sports development in Telangana.
“Upasana is a symbol of modern Indian leadership grounded in tradition but progressive in action. Her appointment reflects the changing face of governance, where young, dynamic professionals contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” Chiranjeevi said.
A Perfect Blend of Wellness and Sports
Upasana Kamineni Konidela is best known as the Vice-Chairperson of Apollo Foundation and the Managing Director of Apollo Life, two entities deeply committed to healthcare access, mental wellness, and preventive medicine. Her elevation to the Telangana Sports Hub Board is a strategic move that aligns her deep knowledge in wellness with the growing focus on holistic sports development in the state.
The Telangana Sports Hub Board is envisioned to be a state-of-the-art initiative fostering local talent, improving sports infrastructure, and promoting a healthier lifestyle among citizens. Upasana’s role as Co-Chairperson will involve not just overseeing these projects but also injecting innovative approaches to athlete well-being, fitness education, and inclusive outreach.
In her first statement post-appointment, Upasana said:
“It’s an honour to serve the people of Telangana in this capacity. Sports has the power to unite, inspire and uplift. I believe in a holistic approach that promotes physical health, mental well-being, and discipline. Through this board, we will focus on empowering our youth and creating a culture of fitness and inclusivity.”
Chiranjeevi’s Encouragement Is More Than Just Family Support
Chiranjeevi’s appreciation for Upasana extends far beyond familial pride. As a public figure who has long supported education, healthcare, and rural empowerment, he sees in her a reflection of India’s new-age leaders—compassionate, competent, and collaborative.
He praised her earlier efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was instrumental in supporting frontline workers, setting up oxygen banks, and promoting public wellness programs across India.
“Upasana has proven herself time and again. Be it in healthcare, social work, or women’s empowerment, she has made an impact with humility and dedication. I am confident she will bring the same energy and vision to this new role,” Chiranjeevi remarked.
A Background Steeped in Service and Innovation
Upasana comes from one of India’s most respected healthcare families. As the granddaughter of Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, the founder of Apollo Hospitals, she has inherited a legacy of service, but she has also carved her unique path. Over the years, she has focused on areas often overlooked—mental health, fitness for working professionals, menstrual hygiene, and lifestyle disease prevention.
Her platform, URLife, promotes integrated wellness, and she has worked closely with corporate and academic institutions to make health and fitness more accessible. Her leadership at the Apollo Foundation also ensures medical aid reaches vulnerable sections of society.
This background makes her uniquely suited for the Telangana Sports Hub Board, where the intersection of sports, health, education, and youth development will be the central focus.
Public and Industry Reactions
The announcement of her appointment was met with widespread approval. Many in the film industry, wellness sector, and government circles acknowledged the decision as a “forward-thinking move.”
Actor Ram Charan, Upasana’s husband, shared a heartfelt note on social media:
“Extremely proud of you, Upsi. You continue to break barriers and lead with kindness and purpose. The youth of Telangana are in great hands.”
Celebrities like Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Rana Daggubati, and Allu Arjun also shared congratulatory messages, emphasizing the need for such inspiring women in leadership roles.
Several public health experts applauded the move, highlighting that sports and health are often treated as separate domains in India. In contrast, Upasana’s presence can help bridge the gap and create integrated community programs.
Priorities and Roadmap Ahead
Upasana has already outlined key areas of focus for the Sports Hub Board during her tenure. These include:
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Grassroots Sports Development
Launching initiatives to discover and nurture talent from rural and underrepresented communities. -
Holistic Athlete Wellness
Introducing mental health counseling, physiotherapy support, and diet planning into regular training modules. -
Infrastructure Upgradation
Collaborating with the private sector to develop world-class stadiums, gyms, and indoor arenas in smaller towns. -
School and College Sports Initiatives
Partnering with the Education Department to ensure physical education becomes an essential part of the school curriculum. -
Women in Sports
Providing mentorship and scholarships to promote female participation in both professional and recreational sports. -
Tech-Enabled Fitness
Launching fitness apps, wearable integrations, and gamified health challenges to promote everyday fitness among citizens.
These initiatives, if executed well, could transform Telangana into a model state for sports excellence and community wellness.
Role Model for the Next Generation
Beyond her professional achievements, Upasana continues to be a powerful role model for young Indian women. She represents a generation that balances ambition with compassion, tradition with modernity, and leadership with humility.
Her influence extends far beyond corporate boardrooms—she regularly mentors young entrepreneurs, advocates for animal welfare, supports rural health programs, and promotes sustainable living practices.
In a time when India is increasingly recognizing the power of women in leadership, Upasana’s appointment sends a clear and inspiring message—that contribution, not just position, defines true leadership.
A Family of Visionaries
The Konidela family is known not only for cinematic excellence but also for their contributions to public welfare. With Chiranjeevi’s continued involvement in charitable projects, Ram Charan’s growing global influence in cinema, and now Upasana’s expanding leadership footprint, the family stands as a beacon of multi-generational service and innovation.
Chiranjeevi summed it up best when he said:
“Families must support and encourage each other to do more for society. I have always believed in giving back. Today, seeing Upasana take this path fills my heart with pride and optimism for our state and our youth.”
Conclusion
Upasana Kamineni Konidela’s appointment as Co-Chairperson of the Telangana Sports Hub Board is a landmark moment not just for her or her family, but for the entire state. It marks a convergence of health, leadership, and youth empowerment. With Chiranjeevi’s public backing and widespread support from citizens and celebrities alike, Upasana steps into this new role with credibility, purpose, and a people-first vision.
Her journey ahead promises not just growth in sports but a comprehensive upliftment of wellness and opportunity for all sections of society.
As Telangana looks ahead to becoming a sports-powered, health-conscious state, it’s clear that Upasana’s leadership will be a vital catalyst in this transformation.
