Guwahati: Expressing his keenness to host the next edition of the National Games in the state, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (February 19) cited the state’s proud legacy in hosting premier sporting events, while highlighting his government’s commitment to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision by investing heavily on the development of sports.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 4th edition of the ‘Khelo India University Games 2023 Ashtalakshmi’ at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in Assam’s Guwahati, Chief Minister Sarma said, “Our state has a proud legacy in hosting premier sports events, including National Games in 2007, the 12th South Asian Games in 2016, FIFA U-17 World Cup, AIBA World Women Youth Boxing Championships, Premier Badminton League, National School Games, Khelo India Youth Games. This edition of KIUG will add another chapter to the rich sporting legacy of the state.”
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Chief Minister Sarma said that Assam has a great sporting legacy and he believes more and more players from the state will bring laurels to the country in the coming years, and contribute to the country’s sporting history.
“Assam hosted the National Games for the first time in 2007 but I will request the Central government to allow Assam to host the 2025 or 2026 National Games,” Chief Minister Sarma said.
Underlining the Assam government’s commitment to develop sports infrastructure across the state, the Chief Minister said that the work has begun towards building sports complexes in all the districts and 126 assembly constituencies across the state.
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“For the past three years, Assam has been investing heavily in sports development to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Accordingly, we have allocated Rs 800 crore to upgrade the Nehru Stadium in Guwahati to a world-class football stadium. Simultaneously, two sports complexes are coming up at Amingaon and Chandrapur. In addition to that, our government has allocated Rs 50 crore to develop sports complexes in each district and Rs 12 crore to develop sports complexes in each of the 126 assembly constituencies,” Chief Minister Sarma added.
Announcing the games open, Chief Minister Sarma urged his fellow citizens to treat each of the participating athletes at the Khelo India University Games 2023 with warm hospitality.
“Assam is known for its hospitality. Let us welcome every athlete coming to Assam with that warmth,” the Chief Minister said.
Earlier, 2019 World Championships bronze medallist Jamuna Boro handed over the ceremonial torch to Chief Minister Sarma.
This edition of the Khelo India University Games will witness the participation of close to 4,000 sportspersons vying for a total of 262 gold medals across 20 sports disciplines over the next fortnight with competitions being held in 18 venues across Guwahati and six other Northeastern towns between February 19 and 29, 2024.
Guwahati will host a total of 16 disciplines during the Khelo India University Games 2023, which includes athletics, rugby, basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton, hockey, fencing, kabaddi, women’s football, tennis, mallakhamb, judo, table tennis, women’s boxing and shooting. The rest of the Northeastern towns will play host to six events, including archery, men’s football, men’s boxing, weightlifting, wrestling and yoga asana.
The grand opening ceremony was attended by Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur.
The colourful opening ceremony also witnessed the performance of renowned singer and performer Angaraag Mahanta, popularly known as Papon, apart from a dance performance showcasing the rich tradition of the vibrant region which also highlighted the essence of unity, diversity and the spirit of sportsmanship.