Veteran sports organizer Bora no more

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, January 16: Veteran sports organizer Jatindra Kumar Bora died at his residence today after prolonged illness. He was 74.

Bora, who retired as a chairman of the Assam State Electricity Board, was a passiote sports lover and instrumental in establishing many clubs in the city. He also produced several soccer players. Assam State Electricity Board Sports club, one of the top soccer club of the State, was established under his patroze. Later, he selected as the president of the Gauhati Sports Association and was also the vice president of the Assam Football Association. He also served as the vice president of the Assam Cricket Association during the eighties. Gauhati Sports Association and Assam State Electricity Board Sports Club gave him the life membership of the organizations.

The veteran sports organizer, who was a very soft spoken gentleman, had been suffering from cancer and some other ailments for the last several months. He breathed his last this morning. His last rites were performed this evening.

Ganesh Rai, the coach of the Assam State Electricity Board Sports Club who had a very close association with Bora, said, "He always showed keen interest in new players and tried to provide all necessary help to them. I too received a lot of support from him and I have no hesitation to say that he played a big role in shaping my career."

Debashish Bose, the secretary of the Assam State Electricity Board Sports Club also echoed a similar view. "Jatinda was the backbone of our club. For the last 14 years, he was the president of our club and whenever we needed any kind of help, he came forward with a big smile. We got regular support from him even when he was sick. It’s a great loss to us."

Many sports organizers and sports lovers today thronged his residence to pay last respects to the veteran sports organizer. Later, his body was taken to Assam State Electricity Board Sports club, Gauhati Sports Association and Assam Football Association office where many of his well wishers were present to pay last respects. Gauhati Sports Association, Assam State Electricity Board Sports Club, Assam Football Association and many other organizations have condoled the death of Bora.