Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: The birth anniversary of legendary soccer player Dr T Ao was celebrated with a series of programmes at the SAI Sports complex here today. Renowned footballer and coach Gumpe Rime attended the function as chief guest.
Addressing the gathering Gumpe, who started his football career in Rising XI Club in Guwahati, recalled his memories during playing days. Although he now stays in Mumbai, the former footballer has very good ideas about present day's soccer in Assam.
Rime today advised the Assam Football Association and Sports Department to work with a specific plan to develop the game in the State. "I have learnt that Assam doesn't have any 'A' License soccer coach and the news really surprised me. No doubt the football infrastructure is very good here in comparison to other states in North East but at the same time you need proper people in the right place to develop the game. It is very essential."
Gumpe also appealed to the parents to encourage children towards sports. "Sports are a medium to build a person mentally and physically strong. It also helps to keep children away from developing a few bad habits like addiction towards mobile games etc."
Earlier a seminar was also held at the same venue where several experts including former International footballer Debasish Roy, national footballers like Motilal Das, Bidhan Das, renowned swimmer Elvis Ali Hazarika, soccer coach Santanu Basu and others took part. They offered various suggestions on development of soccer and other games in the state as well as in the region. It was followed by an exhibition match between Directorate of Sports XI and SAI XI in the evening.