Posted: Jan 13, 2021

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Dr. Anikar Chhabra, an orthopedic surgeon with deep experience in Valley sports, has been appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey to the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) Board of Directors.

Dr. Chhabra, the head orthopedic surgeon for Arizona State University athletics, is a representative of Youth and Amateur Sports and was appointed to fill the vacancy of Jeff Meyer, whose term expired. Dr. Chhabra's term runs through July 1, 2025.

"On behalf of AZSTA, I welcome Dr. Anikar Chhabra to the Board of Directors," AZSTA Board Chair Teddy Eynon said. "Dr. Chhabra has an outstanding record as a national expert in sports medicine. He has served numerous Valley sports organizations and has been instrumental in promoting the health and safety of Arizona high school student-athletes. His experience and relationships will be invaluable resources for AZSTA."

The AZSTA Board has nine members - five appointed by the Governor and two each by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate.

"I am honored to be appointed by Governor Ducey to serve on the AZSTA board," Chhabra said. "Sports and tourism are key drivers in the state's economy and will play a major role in its recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to collaborating with AZSTA's stakeholders to carry out its mission and continue to be a source of pride for all Arizonans. I am excited to join this distinguished board and look forward to serving our great state."

Dr. Chhabra specializes in arthroscopy of the knee and shoulder, minimally invasive surgery and sports-related injuries. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Economics from Harvard University, where he was a four-year varsity basketball letter winner. Dr. Chhabra has been in practice since 2005 and is an Associate Professor, Division Chair of Sports Medicine, and Vice-Chair of Clinical Practice in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic Arizona.

Dr. Chhabra has been the head orthopedic surgeon for Arizona State University athletics since 2007 and an Orthopedic Consultant for the Arizona Coyotes, Phoenix Rising and USA Basketball Development Teams. Dr. Chhabra is actively involved in promoting youth sports safety as a member of the Arizona Interscholastic Association Medical Advisory Board. He served as an honorary ambassador for the 2017 Men's Final Four, which was played at State Farm Stadium.

About Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority: Formed as a result of voter approval of Prop. 302 in Nov. 2000, AZSTA is responsible for owning and operating the University of Phoenix Stadium; funding tourism promotion in Maricopa County; funding the construction and renovation of Cactus League Spring Training facilities; and funding youth and amateur sports projects and programs. For more information about the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program, please contact AZSTA at 623.433.7500 or visit www.az-sta.com.

Formed as a result of voter approval of Prop. 302 in November 2000, AZSTA is responsible for owning and operating State Farm Stadium; funding tourism promotion in Maricopa County; funding the construction and renovation of Cactus League Spring Training facilities; and funding youth and amateur sports projects and programs. For more information about the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program, please contact AZSTA at 623.433.7500 or visit: