Assam CM inaugurates National Senior Athletics meet

Excellence in sports gives a distinct identity: Sonowal

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 26: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 58th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in a glittering function held at the Indira Gandhi athletic stadium here today.

The inaugural function was also attended by legendary Indian athlete PT Usha and officials of national and state units of the Athletics Federation and Association. Around 800 athletes, including Assam’s upcoming star Hima Das, from the different parts of the country are taking part in the tournament.

Addressing the gathering Sonowal urged the athletes to work hard with dedication in their respective field of sports. He said that in today’s inter-connected world, excellence in sports gives a distinct identity to a nation and therefore the Indian sportspersons must toil hard and exhibit their best in the playground.

Urging the sportspersons to practice well for the forthcoming Asian Games to be held in Jakarta, Sonowal expressed confidence on the abilities of the Indian athletes. He also highlighted initiatives launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for improvement of sports in the country and called upon the youth to engage with discipline and responsibility in the country’s transformative journey.

Underlining the laurels brought to the nation by yesteryears sprinter PT Usha Chief Minister said that her success continue to inspire generations of Indian sportspersons. The Chief Minister also expressed hope that the new sprint queen of India Hima Das would bring more glory to the nation with her success in future sports events. He also pinned same hope for other budding sportspersons of the State as well.

Chairman of the organizing committee Lakhya Konwar, President of Athletics Federation of India Adille J. Sumariwalla and President of Assam Athletics Association Rockybul Hussain also spoke on the occasion.