Who we are
About the Academy
Adventure Sports Academy, Andhra Pradesh (ASA-AP) is a government-recognised institution established to promote adventure sports, outdoor education, and wilderness leadership in the state of Andhra Pradesh. From the rugged hills of the Eastern Ghats to the pristine coastline of the Bay of Bengal, our programmes harness the natural terrain of AP to build resilience, teamwork, and character in every trainee.
OUR STORY
The founding story
The seeds of Adventure Sports Academy were planted in the early 2000s, when a small group of mountaineers, ex-servicemen, and educators gathered in Vijayawada with a single shared belief: that Andhra Pradesh’s extraordinary natural landscape — its mountains, rivers, forests, and coast — deserved a world-class institution to help people explore it safely and boldly.
In 2005, with support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, the Academy officially opened its doors. The founding batch of 42 trainees arrived with backpacks and nervous smiles. Today, over 2,500 graduates carry the ASA-AP badge across India and the world — in the armed forces, in expedition teams, and in classrooms as the next generation of outdoor educators.
“We did not build an institution. We built a movement — one that believes every young person in Andhra Pradesh deserves the chance to stand on a summit and know what they are capable of.”
Poorna Malavath — the youngest girl in history to summit Mount Everest and a daughter of Andhra Pradesh — joined as Co-founder, bringing with her an unmatched story of courage that continues to inspire every batch of trainees who walk through the Academy’s gates.
Our Vision
To be India’s most respected adventure sports institution — nurturing a generation of bold, responsible, and skilled outdoor leaders who carry the spirit of Andhra Pradesh to the world’s greatest summits and waterways.
Our Mission
To provide world-class, accessible adventure sports education that builds physical endurance, mental fortitude, and environmental stewardship — empowering youth, defence personnel, and communities across Andhra Pradesh and beyond.
What Drives Us
Core values
Every programme, every expedition, and every interaction at ASA-AP is anchored in six unshakeable values.
Courage
We embrace challenge, step beyond comfort, and inspire others to do the same — on the mountain and in life.
Integrity
We act with honesty and accountability in every decision — from safety calls on a cliff face to how we serve our community.
Stewardship
We protect the natural environments that give us so much — leaving every trail, river, and summit better than we found it.
Inclusion
Adventure is for everyone. We actively create pathways for tribal youth, girls, and underserved communities to access our programmes.
Excellence
We hold our instruction, curriculum, and safety standards to the highest national and international benchmarks — always.
Resilience
We build the mental and physical toughness that turns setbacks into stepping stones and storms into stories of triumph.
Advisers
Ajeet Bajaj
Adventure Sports Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Pioneer of adventure tourism in India, Founder of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering.
Nirat Batt
Outdoor Education & Curriculum Specialist
Expert in experiential learning and outdoor curriculum design. Guides the Academy’s academic framework.
Wing Commander Sridhar
Defence & Aviation Specialist (Retd.)
Decorated Indian Air Force officer with extensive experience in high-altitude operations.
Ajeet Bajaj
Wilderness Medicine & Sports Science
Specialist in wilderness medicine
and high-altitude physiology.