The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the President of the Assam Olympic Association (AOA), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off the Olympic Day Run in Tezpur, today, calling for a collective commitment to transform Assam into a frontrunner in India’s sporting landscape. The event, organised by the Assam Olympic Association in collaboration with the Sonitpur District Sports Association, was held at Polo Field, drawing enthusiastic participation from athletes, students, and sports enthusiasts across the region.

Speaking at the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal invoked the timeless words of cultural icon Dr. Bhupen Hazarika: “Ei prithibi ek krirangon, krira hol shantir prangon” (“This world is a playground; sport is a field of peace”), urging the youth to embrace the deeper values of discipline, unity, and peace that sports imbibe.

“Sport is not just a competitive activity. It shapes health, fosters a sound mind, and builds strong character,” Sonowal said. “Assam has tremendous potential in this field, and it is our responsibility to discover and nurture the hidden talent from every village and district. This year, India marks Olympic Day by highlighting the joy and motivation of moving together. In every lane of Assam—from the tea gardens to the Brahmaputra banks—children are running, jumping, and dreaming. Sport is uniting our people and strengthening our communities.”

The Minister highlighted the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to boost India’s sporting ecosystem, particularly through initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which provides financial and logistical support to aspiring athletes.

Quoting PM Modi’s popular mantra “Kheloge to Khiloge” (“Play and you shall blossom”), Shri Sonowal emphasised that sustained commitment and discipline in sports pave the way to national pride and personal fulfilment. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat is not limited to material growth; it is about building a nation that is healthy, happy, and holistic in spirit. Sport is one of the strongest engines driving that vision forward—nurturing discipline, mental strength, and national pride,” Sonowal said.

Referring to Assam’s past milestones, Shri Sonowal noted how Guwahati rose to prominence as the nation’s sporting capital during the South Asian Games, which laid the foundation for international stars like Hima Das and Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain. Adding on, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the role of grassroots sports and added, “Grassroots sport is creating a silent revolution in rural Assam. The Assam Youth Olympics has become a powerful platform for unearthing grassroots talent from every corner of the state. This initiative is not just about medals—it's about igniting dreams. We must take the Olympic values beyond stadiums & integrate them into our schools and everyday life. Let every child in Assam feel the thrill of competition, the grace of teamwork, and the strength of fair play.”

From Majuli to Morigaon, thousands of young boys and girls are discovering their potential and breaking social barriers. The Youth Olympics is giving shape to a new sporting movement—one that is inclusive, empowering, and deeply rooted in the vision of a healthy, confident Assam.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also paid rich tributes to legendary athlete Bhogeswar Baruah, and urged the students present to strive for excellence not only in academics but also in sports and culture.

“Education, culture, and sport — if we show dedication in all three, no one can stop our society from becoming one of the best in the world,” Sonowal said.

In an emotional moment, Shri Sonowal also offered heartfelt homage to late Rajen Barthakur, a respected sports patron from Tezpur, and pledged to continue his legacy by taking concrete steps to uplift Assam’s sports sector.

Following the Olympic Day Run, Shri Sonowal chaired an extended executive committee meeting of the Assam Olympic Association to review the progress of current initiatives and explore strategies to expand sports infrastructure and grassroots participation in the state.

“Team Assam is committed to accelerating the growth of sports from the grassroots level. The Assam Olympic Association remains deeply committed to identifying talent, improving access, and ensuring that every aspiring athlete—regardless of background—has the opportunity to pursue their Olympic dream. Together, let us build a future where Assam contributes not just athletes, but ideals to India’s Olympic story,” Shri Sonowal said.

“Olympic Day is a reminder that the spirit of sport can unify, inspire, and lead a society toward greatness. Let today be more than just a celebration — let it mark the beginning of an Olympic decade for Assam, where every village nurtures a player, every home holds a hope, and every heart beats for India,” concluded Shri Sonowal.

Joining him at the event were Assam Sports Minister Nandita Gorlosa, Tezpur MP Ranjit Dutta, Tezpur MLA Prithviraj Rabha, and Assam Olympic Association General Secretary Lakshya Konwar. Prominent athlete and Arjuna Awardee Hima Das was also present, making time despite her ongoing training in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — a gesture Shri Sonowal lauded.

***

GDH/HR

Resurgence Press Release