AOA to introduce National Sports Award in honour of Bhogeswar Baruah

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The Assam Olympic Association (AOA) has announced the introduction of a prestigious national sports award, named the “Arjuna Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Award,” to celebrate and honor exceptional sporting talent across the country.

The award, which will be an annual affair, will recognize sportspersons in three categories: Sportsperson of the Year, Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Emerging Sports Talent of the Year. The inaugural ceremony for the award will be held in September this year in Sivasagar, Assam.

The president of the Assam Olympic Association and Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, shared the details of the award during a media announcement. He revealed that the prize money for the three categories would be: Rs 5 lakh for Sportsperson of the Year, Rs 3 lakh for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Rs 2 lakh for Emerging Sports Talent of the Year.

A selection committee has been formed to ensure a fair process. The committee comprises the Secretary of Sports, Government of Assam, Arjuna Awardee Monalisa Baruah, and Abhijit Bhattacharya, the former captain of the Indian volleyball team. The committee will shortlist three nominees for each category, ensuring the integrity and fairness of the award process.

Speaking about the initiative, Sonowal stated, “This award seeks to promote excellence, dedication, and integrity in the field of sports. The legendary achievements of Bhogeswar Baruah represent the spirit of perseverance and pride that define our athletes. Through this award, we intend to preserve his legacy and inspire future generations.”

Further elaborating on the importance of such recognitions, Sonowal added, “While India has national honors like the Arjuna Award, state-level support is equally important. The Assam Olympic Association’s initiative aims to discover young talent and foster a sporting culture. This recognition will encourage every child in Assam, from the valleys to the hills, to pursue their passion with the belief that their hard work will be acknowledged.”

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