First-ever Northeast Sports Conclave concludes in Guwahati

GUWAHATI:

A host of ace sports personalities, politicians, and dignitaries associated with the field took part in the first-ever Northeast Sports Conclave at a premium hotel in Guwahati, on November 26.

Attended by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, union youth affairs and sports minister Anurag Singh Thakur, Tokyo 2020 Olympic medal winners — weightlifter Mirabai Chanu (Silver Medalist) and boxer Lovlina Borgohain (Bronze Medalist), and former sportspersons from the region, the conclave hosted discussions on an array of subjects concerning how to make Northeast the sports hub of India.

While Assam CM shared his vision on the development of sports in the Northeast, union sports minister Thakur, in his keynote address, spoke on the role of state administrators in helping the athletes get the best of opportunities.

“We can look at increasing the sports budgets for states, but the states should also come forward and implement it properly. Administrators have a big role to play in this,” said Thakur.

Larsing Ming Sawyan, president of Meghalaya Football Association and vice president of All India Football Federation (AIFF), said “Everyone needs a platform to play in their own backyard. This is where AIFF’s baby leagues come in. It's not always about winning or losing; they need a place to play 30-35 weeks in a year.”

Olympic archer, Jayanta Talukdar discussed the traditional sports of the Northeast with decorated boxer Sarita Dev, Pramod Boro, chief executive member of Bodoland Territorial Council, and Tetea Hmar, secretary, Mizoram Football Association.

Bhaichung Bhutia, former Indian football captain, Satish K Sarhadi, Director – SAI, RC Guwahati, Kothajit Singh, India hockey player and M C Mary Kom, Olympic bronze medalist also shared their views on the overall sports scenario in the region.

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