SILCHAR, Dec 18 - Barak Valley is all set to host the third edition of the State Games to be held at the SM Dev Stadium in Silchar from January 7 to 12.
Confirming the dates before the media today, Sports Minister Ajit Singh said that altogether 25 disciplines will feature in the six-day mega sports meet. The games will be played in 15 different venues across Barak Valley. However, the major events will be held in Silchar. �We are happy that a sporting event of such magnitude is taking place in Silchar,� Singh said. It may be mentioned that, the Minister had already announced that a fund of Rs one crore was sanctioned for the State Games.
There were 23 events in the previous edition of the Games at Nagaon. Two more events including badminton and table tennis have been added in this edition. The Assam Olympic Association (AOA) joint secretary Pradip Kr Hazarika said that the archery and table tennis will be played at Rajib Gandhi Sports Complex and TT Club Udharbondh respectively. Elaborating on the distribution of venues and events, Hazarika said the opening and closing ceremony will be at the Silchar DSA. The football men�s final will be played under lights at the same venue while marathon and cycling will be held at the East-West corridor highway. On the other hand, Hazarika appealed to the NF Railways to start two additional trains from January 4 to 13 between Silchar and Lumding so that the players and other officials can reach here for the sporting event. Asked about participation of Karimganj and Hailakandi districts in the event, Hazarika said that the two districts will be given special opportunity as nearby districts to participate in non-qualified disciplines.
DSA secretary Babul Hore said that for the first time State Games is being organised here and it is a historic occasion for the people of Barak Valley. He added that preparations are afoot to make the forthcoming event a grand success. The mascot of the Games, Dophi, was also unveiled today where AOA officials Munin Nobis and Bishnu Ram Nunisa were also present.
