Bhabajyoti Goswami appeals SAI to reopen weightlifting centre

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Assam Weightlifting Association today appealed to the Sports Authority of India to reopen the weightlifting Centre at their Paltanbazar complex in the city. The association today admitted that State weightlifters are facing a lot of trouble due to the absence of that centre and good coaches.

Addressing a media gathering the secretary of the Assam Weightlifting Association Bhabajyoti Goswami today said, "Paltanbazar campus at SAI centre provided excellent facilities to our budding weightlifters and we were able to produce several national and international level medal winners. But all of a sudden the centre was shut down a couple of years back. The coach of the centre Alokesh Barua, who was very much instrumental to produce quality weightlifters, too transferred. It has brought a lot of trouble to our budding weightlifters as it is a very technical game and we require coaches with high technical knowledge."

Goswami added: "We have already requested the SAI to reopen the coaching centre at the Paltanbazar complex. We have in touch with the Directorate of the Sports and Youth Welfare also so that if it is not possible to reopen centre we can at least bring back the coach."

Meanwhile Assam Weightlifting Association today sent best wishes message to boxer Lovlina Borgohain and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu along with sports organizer Birendra Prasad Baishya for their selection in the Indian contingent for the Tokyo Olympics.

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