Sonowal flags off Olympic Day run, calls for Olympic decade in Assam – Hub News

June 23, 2025

World

Guwahati, June 23: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and President of the Assam Olympic Association (AOA), Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off the Olympic Day Run in Tezpur today saying the Olympic Day should mark the start of an Olympic decade for Assam — where every village nurtures a player, every home carries hope, and every heart beats for India.

Organised jointly by the Assam Olympic Association and the Sonitpur District Sports Association, the event saw enthusiastic participation from athletes, students, and sports lovers at Polo Field.

“Sport is much more than a game — it builds health, discipline, and character. Assam is full of untapped talent waiting to shine. From the tea gardens to the Brahmaputra banks, children are dreaming through sport. We must nurture these dreams,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Sonowal credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for energising India’s sports ecosystem through schemes like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Quoting the PM’s motto “Kheloge to Khiloge” (“Play and you shall blossom”), he said sport is a core pillar of building Viksit Bharat — a developed, healthy, and holistic India.

Referring to Assam’s past milestones, Sonowal recalled Guwahati’s emergence as a sporting capital during the South Asian Games and the rise of stars like Hima Das and Lovlina Borgohain. “Grassroots sport is quietly transforming rural Assam. The Assam Youth Olympics is uncovering talent in every corner — not just for medals, but for dreams,” he added.

He urged that Olympic values should be taken beyond stadiums and embedded into school life and community culture. “Let every child feel the thrill of competition, the grace of teamwork, and the strength of fair play.”

The Minister also paid heartfelt tributes to legendary athlete Bhogeswar Baruah and late Rajen Barthakur, a respected sports patron from Tezpur. He encouraged students to strive for excellence in education, culture, and sport alike. “If we shine in all three, no one can stop our society from becoming one of the best in the world,” he remarked.

Following the run, Sonowal chaired an extended executive committee meeting of the Assam Olympic Association to review progress and chart new strategies for expanding infrastructure and grassroots participation across the state.

“Team Assam is dedicated to ensuring that every aspiring athlete, no matter their background, has the opportunity to chase their Olympic dream. Let this Olympic Day mark the start of an Olympic decade for Assam — where every village nurtures a player, every home carries hope, and every heart beats for India,” Sonowal concluded.

The event was attended by Assam Sports Minister Nandita Gorlosa, Tezpur MP Ranjit Dutta, Tezpur MLA Prithviraj Rabha, AOA General Secretary Lakshya Konwar, and celebrated athlete and Arjuna Awardee Hima Das, who joined despite her ongoing training in Kerala — a gesture that Sonowal warmly praised.

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