GUWAHATI, June 27 - International medal winning shooter Hriday Hazarika received the Sportsperson of the Year (2018) award presented by the United Brothers Club.
In a well attended function held at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra here last evening, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal handed over the award to Hriday. Promising badminton player Ashmita Chaliha was presented the Rising Player of the Year award. Sportspersons like Hemphu Bonjang (karate), Kabita Devi (fencing), Astha Choudhury (swimming), Udit Gogoi (tennis), Golap Rabha (bodybuilding), Bijoy Deka (marathon), Nishanta Bordoloi (sports trainer), Dr Gnanankar Medhi (runner), Dr Santanu Dutta, Dr Bibhash Bhagawati, Prakash Basumatary, Amitabh Dutta (all iron man), noted cricket coach Nabab Ali, football coach Ganesh Rai were also honoured on the occasion.
Education Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya, eminent bodybuilder Mahadeb Deka, cricketer Riyan Parag, swimmer Mithu Baruah, actor Jatin Bora, member secretary of the SLAC Lakhya Konwar, SAI director Dr Subhash Basumatary, among others were also present in the function.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reiterated his desire to make Guwahati the sports capital of the country. He also revealed that the city will be a hub of international sports within a short span of time.
Bhattacharya recalled his mountaineering days when he carried out several expeditions to Himalayas. He also said that the State government is planning to make sports a part of education.
Hriday was presented Rs 1 lakh along with other trophies and mementos while Ashmita was given Rs 50,000 along with other gifts.
