Assam Launches National Sports Award in Honor of Bhogeswar Baruah

The Assam Olympic Association (AOA) introduced the Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Award on Thursday. This award pays tribute to Bhogeswar Baruah, Assam's first gold medalist at the Asian Games.

The inaugural awards were presented at a ceremony in Guwahati on Wednesday. The event was attended by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and AOA President, Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The award, established in honor of Arjuna Awardee Bhogeswar Baruah, will be presented annually in six categories. These categories include Best Sportsperson, Emerging Player, and Lifetime Achievement, at both the national and Assam state levels.

Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the significance of the award, highlighting it as a celebration of Assam's spirit, embodied by Bhogeswar Baruah. He stated that the award honors the past while investing in the future, sending a message of encouragement to aspiring athletes.

Bhogeswar Baruah achieved a gold medal in the 800m race at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok and a silver in the 4x400m relay at the 1970 Games. He was the first Assamese athlete to receive the Arjuna Award and also served in the Indian Army.

Special Recognition Awards were also presented to several individuals for their contributions.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the award launch as a pivotal moment for Assam's sports community. He acknowledged Bhogeswar Baruah's pioneering role and highlighted the legacy being carried forward by current athletes. The Chief Minister also discussed the state government's commitment to sports infrastructure, events, and youth talent development.

Sarma mentioned initiatives like the Assam Youth Olympics, sports academies, and scholarships for young athletes. He emphasized the government's belief in sports' transformative power and its investment in grassroots infrastructure. The goal is to make Assam a significant contributor to India's sporting achievements.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who previously served as the Union Minister of Sports, noted Assam's progress as a sports hub. He referenced events like the South Asian Games, Khelo India Youth Games, and FIFA U-17 World Cup matches hosted in Guwahati. He also highlighted the establishment of Shri Shri Aniruddhadeva Sports University and the Assam Youth Olympics as key steps in building a strong sports culture.

Sonowal quoted Bhupen Hazarika, emphasizing sports as a ground for peace, discipline, and unity. He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives for transforming India's sports ecosystem. He encouraged youth to pursue education, embrace culture, and dedicate themselves to sports.

Sonowal concluded by stating that the Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Award should inspire young athletes to dream big and strive for national pride.