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Top sportspersons attend sports seminar

By The Assam Tribune

GUWAHATI, May 1 � A galaxy of eminent sportspersons like Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award winner N Kunja Rani Devi, Arjuna Awardees Bhogeswar Baruah, Thoiba Singh, Mantu Debnath and internationals like Dipankar Bhattacharyya, Arunjyoti Baruah expressed their views on sports culture in north eastern region in a seminar organised by the Assam Sports Journalists Association as a part of the 2nd Airtel North East Sports Festival.

The seminar, held at the Hotel Landmark here today, was conducted by eminent advocate and former international umpire Niloy Dutta and noted journalist Samudra Gupta Kashyap. The seminar was formally inaugurated by Bhogeswar Baruah.

Speaking on the occasion the ace woman weightlifter Kunjarani Devi said it is important to develop sports culture in this region as it is full of sporting talents. Kunjarani said she would also like to render her service in this region for development of sports.

Olympian Dipankar Bhattacharyya asserted that the youngsters of this part of the country have tremendous physical ability. But all have to excel with their individual effort. So it is necessary to promote the youngsters by the concerned authorities and organisations so that all the talents can attain their peak.

Leading hockey player Thoiba Singh revealed that guardians and societies have to be involved in encouraging the children. He also stressed on producing quantity so that quality players could be picked. In Manipur parents are contributing for creating sporting environment. So, despite having no sponsorship Manipur athletes have excelled almost in all events. He further said the performances and activities of the SAI appointed coaches should be monitored and proper selection should be made.

Former State Ranji captain Prabin Hazarika said the mind set of the players have to be changed and the youngsters should adopt professional attitude. He also urged the BCCI to help other sports.

Former international footballer Tashen Bora said lack of commitment among the youngsters is a hurdle in developing sports in Assam. He also urged the concerned agencies to develop infrastructure in all parts of the State.

Arjuna Awardee from Tripura, Mantu Debnath said involvement of society is mandatory for the development of sports. Sports should be implemented among the youths in a systematic way. NE Games should be used as talent hunting championship and the selected talents can be given higher training.

Arunjyoti Baruah, former international table tennis player, opined the big companies should adopt few events to promote. The State Government has to recognise the talented sportspersons and State should reintroduce honours like Lachit Awards. We also revealed that media has to play a vital role in developing sports.

Director of Sports Sanjib Gohain Baruah, while speaking on the occasion, said the State Government has allocated Rs 1 crore for coaching at the grassroots level. He also revealed the ideas of the former internationals could be included in the State Sports Policy.

Local MLA Capt Robin Bordoloi, former Sports Secretary Swapnanil Baruah, SAI city centre director Subhash Basumatary, Meghalay Deputy Director of Sports Jibon Singh Marak, journalist Premadhar Sharma also gave their views on the subject. Former internationals Taibun Nesa, Mithu Baruah, Nandini Baruah, Tridib Duarah were felicitated by the organisers on the occasion.

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