National Games: Assam Olympic Association (AOA) hands over kits to Uttarakhand-bound athletes

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The Assam Olympic Association (AOA) unveiled the jersey of the State contingent for the upcoming 38th National Games in a ceremony held at the Sarusajai Sports Complex here on Sunday. At the same event, kits were distributed to the athletes, marking the official send-off for the team.

Scheduled to be held in Uttarakhand from January 28, Assam is sending a contingent of 237 athletes to compete in 22 events in the forthcoming Games. The first batch, comprising the triathlon team, will depart on Tuesday.

Today’s event was graced by prominent officials of AOA, including President and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, senior vice presidents and Assam cabinet ministers Pijush Hazarika and Jayanta Mallabaruah, Secretary Lakhya Konwar, Treasurer Ashoke Bharali, Sports Minister Nandita Gorlosa, Chef de Mission Abhijit Bhattacharyya, Director of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department Pradip Timung, and renowned singer Bhrigu Kashyap.

In his welcome address, Lakhya Konwar emphasized the efforts made by the AOA to ensure the athletes face no challenges during their journey or at the venues. “Like in previous editions, the Assam contingent will travel by flight. Special arrangements have also been made for the boxers to fly to Pithoragarh, as it is located far from the other organizing cities and requires a long road journey to reach,” he said.

During the event, Sarbananda Sonowal announced the names of two deputy chefs de mission- Hiren Gogoi and Nirajan Saikia, who will accompany the team. In his brief speech, Sonowal encouraged the athletes to perform their best, stating, “Your performance will make the people of Assam proud.”

The President of AOA in his speech also underscored the significance of sports the modern era. “Nations that excel in sports also achieve remarkable success in other fields. Sports instill discipline, resilience, a positivity, contributing to the overall development of individuals and societies. Assam must shine as a leader in sports to realize the vision of making it one of India’s top five states. I am optimistic that our athletes will uphold these values and deliver inspiring performances,” Sonowal said.

Cabinet ministers Pijush Hazarika and Jayanta Mallabaruah extended their best wishes to the team and said, “The government’s support for athletes will remain unwavering, ensuring they continue to excel in future competitions.”

Sports Minister Nandita Gorlosa highlighted the positive impact of the Khel Maharan initiative on sports in the state. “This program has created opportunities for athletes from remote areas to be selected for the State team, which is a great sign,” she remarked. Gorlosa also expressed Assam’s interest in hosting the next edition of the National Games.

Commonwealth Games medallist and lawn bowl player Nayanmoni Saikia also addressed the gathering, representing the participating athletes.

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