SILCHAR, Jan 7 - The 3rd Assam State Games got under way here on Thursday evening at the SM Dev Stadium. Conveying his best wishes to the participants and also to the organisers DSA Silchar and Assam Olympic Association, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi declared the Games open amidst colourful cultural events. Earlier, spectators cheering every moment of the opening ceremony which began with the hoisting of the flags followed by the impressive march past by all the participating teams with an estimated 3,000 athletes from 25 districts taking part in the six-day event.
Speaking on the occasion, Gogoi said �it is heartwarming to see so many sportsmen coming to Silchar for an important event. The people of Barak Valley deserve congratulations for their response towards the mega event.� Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development and secretary of the Assam Olympic Association Rakibul Hussain, Sports Minister Ajit Singh, Social Welfare Minister Gautam Roy, local MP Susmita Dev also spoke on the occasion. The State Games began with Archery event at the DNHS School field at Udharbondh. There were 14 gold medals (12 karate, 2 fencing) won by players representing various districts on Day 1.
