GUWAHATI: Seven athletes from Assam, including instructors and coaches, were honoured with the prestigious “State Sports Awards” on Tuesday on the occasion of Abhiruchi Sports Day.
Abhiruchi Sports Day is celebrated annually in the state on September 3 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhogeswar Baruah, the first Arjuna awardee from the northeastern region.
The award recognizes the “achievements and contribution of the state athletes, mentors, and sports personalities who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also served as role models for the youth, inspiring future generations to pursue a career in sports.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated all the recipients of the State Sports Awards.
The awardees include Bornil Akash Changmai, a badminton player; Krishna Das, a para swimmer and Abhishek B. Gogoi, a special athlete in cycling.
Besides, Rajib Dey, a physical training instructor at IIT Guwahati; Kalyan Barman, a physical instructor at the Nalbari District Sports Office; Anup Konwar, a weightlifting coach at the Sivasagar District Sports Office; and Uttam Handique, an athletics coach at the Tinsukia District Sports Office were also conferred with the State Sports Awards.
The State Sports Award is a part of the state government’s commitment to advancing sports culture and providing vital support to the sports community in Assam.
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Notably, Bhogeswar Baruah, born on 3 September 1940, is a former Indian athlete and coach. He holds the distinction of being one of the first Assamese athletes to win a gold medal at an international event, achieving this feat in the 800-metre race at the 1966 Asian Games.
Additionally, he earned a silver medal in the 4×400 metres relay at the 1970 Asian Games. A recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award, Baruah is notably the first Assamese to be honored with this accolade.
