What is the Bhogeswar Baruah National Best Sportsperson Award?
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Synopsis
The Assam Olympic Association has launched the Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Award, honoring Assam's first Asian Games gold medalist. This initiative celebrates local athletes and enhances Assam's sporting legacy on a national scale. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the importance of this award in inspiring future athletes.
Key Takeaways
- Annual awards will honor athletes in multiple categories.
- Inaugural ceremony featured prominent athletes.
- Significant investment in sports infrastructure by the Assam government.
- Aimed at inspiring future athletes.
- Celebration of Assam's sporting legacy.
Guwahati, Sep 3 (NationPress) The Assam Olympic Association (AOA) has officially inaugurated the Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Award, a tribute to the legacy of Assam's inaugural Asian Games gold medalist.
This prestigious event took place today, with Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal presenting the first set of awards.
The awards, named in honour of Arjuna Awardee Bhogeswar Baruah, will be awarded annually across six categories: Best Sportsperson, Emerging Player, and Lifetime Achievement at both national and state levels.
During the inaugural ceremony, various athletes were recognized for their outstanding performances. The Best Sportsperson (National) title was awarded to Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, while football star Sunil Chhetri received the Lifetime Achievement award. The Emerging Player accolade went to Bedabrat Bharali.
In Assam, Lovlina Borgohain was celebrated as the Best Sportsperson, and Dipankar Bhattacharya was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement (Assam) award. Priyanuj Bhattacharya was also awarded as the Emerging Player of Assam.
This award ceremony coincided with the birth anniversary of Bhogeswar Baruah, who made history by winning a gold medal in the 800 meters at the 1966 Asian Games held in Bangkok.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal remarked: “This occasion transcends mere sports; it embodies the unyielding spirit of Assam, as represented by Bhogeswar Baruah’s legacy. By establishing this award, we are not only honouring the past but also investing in the future. We send a clear message to every aspiring athlete in Assam and beyond: their dreams are significant.”
Moreover, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his appreciation to the Assam Olympic Association for initiating this award on the birthday of Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah, also recognized as State Sports Day across Assam.
While congratulating the recipients of the Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Awards, he noted that many prominent athletes present today have elevated Assam's reputation globally through their sporting excellence.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the significance of these awards and thanked the AOA for their efforts to elevate Assam’s sporting journey onto the national platform. He conveyed optimism that the Association would persist in their initiatives.
Sarma highlighted that the state government is actively implementing a range of measures to bolster the sporting framework across Assam, with schemes valued at approximately Rs 3,000 crore aimed at constructing modern sports complexes in each of the 126 Assembly constituencies, including national-level stadiums. He also pointed out that several international training centers are enhancing the state's stature in the sports arena.
Point of View
It is my duty to emphasize the importance of initiatives like the Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Award. Such programs not only recognize and celebrate the achievements of athletes but also inspire future generations. The Assam Olympic Association's efforts to honor local sporting icons reflect a commitment to fostering a robust sporting culture in the region.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Award?
The Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Award is an annual recognition initiated by the Assam Olympic Association to honor outstanding athletes, celebrating the legacy of Assam's first Asian Games gold medalist.
Who were the inaugural award recipients?
The inaugural awards recognized Manu Bhaker as Best Sportsperson (National), Sunil Chhetri for Lifetime Achievement, Lovlina Borgohain as Best Sportsperson of Assam, and Bedabrat Bharali as Emerging Player.
Why is the award significant?
The award not only honors Bhogeswar Baruah's legacy but also aims to inspire and encourage aspiring athletes in Assam and across India, highlighting the state's commitment to sports.
What did the Chief Minister say about the awards?
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude towards the Assam Olympic Association and emphasized the awards' role in promoting Assam's sporting recognition on a national stage.
What initiatives are being taken to enhance sports in Assam?
The Assam government is investing approximately Rs 3,000 crore to develop modern sports complexes and national-level stadiums across all 126 Assembly constituencies.
