Lovlina inducted as DSP in state police force

GUWAHATI, Jan 12: The Assam Government on Wednesday formally appointed Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain as the Deputy Superintendent of Assam Police (DSP, Training).

Accompanied by Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pinned 3-star DSP badges on her shoulders and also handed over the appointment letter to the ace pugilist at a function at Janata Bhawan in the city today.

Chief Minister announced that besides the monthly salary, the State government would give additional Rs 1 lakh to Borgohain for continuing her training in boxing. On the other hand, if she faced any problem to continue training at Patiala (Punjab), the Assam government would consider engaging an international-level coach for her in Guwahati.

Sarma also feels that the ace boxer in her service life has a bright chance of being nominated as an IPS officer in future, considering her age.

It is the second occasion when a star athlete of the State was appointed in the Assam Police in the post of DSP in the recent past. Earlier sprinter Hima Das was appointed in the same post last year.

Commenting that the Assam Police have a golden history in the field of sports, the Chief Minister said that renowned players like Gilbertson Sangma, Jewel Bey had raised the stature of Assam Police with their remarkable sporting talent. Dr Sarma hoped that Lovlina Borgohain, as an officer of the Assam Police, would make the state police force prouder in the field of sports.

He added: "Every police station must form its own football and volleyball teams and participate in district-level competitions."

Meanwhile, Sarma said that sports are no longer a co-curricular activity, rather it has become a part of the main curriculum. Today opportunities have emerged to get coveted jobs like APS or any other gazetted posts through excellence in sporting skills. He said there is a need for a complete change in our society's approach to sports. He said that the government is taking all possible steps to strengthen sports infrastructure in the state, but only by building infrastructure, success in sports cannot be achieved without proper training and sportsmanship.

Saying that identifying talent at the right time is the key to success, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of creating a system for finding out sports talents at the grassroots level.

After receiving the appointment letter, Lovlina told the media that this would be a memorable day for her life. "I am very glad to receive such a respected post. I would try my best to take forward the players of Assam and the state police in the future."

Several ministers and MLAs, including Sports Minister Bimal Borah, Chief Secretary Jishu Barua, the Principal Secretary of the Home department as well as senior officials of the administration and the Assam police, parents of Lovlina were present at the function.

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