Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: Assam have been included in the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) project recently. Dharma Kanta Mili, the Director of Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam in a conversation with The Sentinel expresses hope that this centre would help to promote the young talents of the State. Here is the excerpt.
The Sentinel (TS): Recently Assam have been included in the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence project. Your reaction...
Mili: It's a good step. With focus on 2024 Olympics Union Sports Ministry and SAI, in joint effort, bringing these Centres of Excellence in each States and UT's in phased manner. Athletes particularly at grassroots level would be highly benefited through this project.
TS: Tell us about the disciplines that would be the part of the Centre of Excellence in the State.
Mili: As per the one state one sports policy boxing will be there. Shooting and weightlifting are the other two disciplines. State Academy at Sarusajai will be upgraded for boxing and weightlifting while Kahilipara Shooting range will be used as the Centre of Excellence for shooting.
TS : How will the centre run?
Mili: Actually it is a joint venture. The Sports Ministry would provide a 'Viability Gap Funding' for sports science back up, engagements of coaches and support staffs, sports equipment etc. The operational management including identifying talent, boarding, lodging and maintenance would remain with the state.
TS : What about the current status of Tikhor Park which construction is now in progress !
Mili: It is on the verge of completion. We are expecting to open it in November. (Organizing committee of SAF Games earlier took the decision to construct a park at the Gauhati University complex with an aim to preserve the legacy of the 12th South Asian Games. A statue of Tikhor, the mascot of 2016 Games, will be a key attraction of this park).
TS: And Bimala Prasad Chaliha Swimming pool…
Mili: Bimala Prasad Chaliha Swimming pool is almost ready for use after the renovation work. Due to COVID-19 we could not open it. We are expecting to start the pool in November.