Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: The secretary of the Paralympic Association of Assam Rajib Dey is optimistic that the forthcoming National Para Swimming Championship will promote the para games in the State in a very big way. Dey, who is also a member of the Indian Selection committee, in a conversation with The Sentinel praised the State government for promoting the games in the State. Here are the excerpts.
The Sentinel (TS): What is the present scenario of Para Games in the State?
Dey: The scenario is gradually improving. Our players are participating in different tournaments and started to win medals from various games like swimming, Badminton and others. One para swimmer from the state Anowar Sikdar already qualified for the forthcoming Asia Para Games.
(TS): Infrastructures for these games perhaps not upto the mark...
Dey: Yes. We have to make several temporary arrangements to host the forthcoming National para Swimming championship which will be held in Guwahati. The scenario is almost same in the other para games also. However we planned to set up a Centre of Excellence for Para sports in the State and once it comes up it will provide better and quality facilities to our players.
(TS): What is the role of the State Government to promote the Games in the State?
Dey: We are very happy to see the initiative taken by the present government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on promoting the game in the state. Earlier we even didn't have an office to do our regular activities. We appealed to the government and an office was allotted to us at the Nehru stadium. Our para athletes also started to receive cash incentives as per the sports policy of the government on winning medals from national championships.
(TS): What about the response of the parents?
Dey: Earlier it was not so good and there were reasons also. We don't have too many facilities in the state for the para athletes. However, it's starting to change.
(TS): Do you feel the forthcoming Para Swimming Championship will help to promote Para Games in the state?
Dey: Definitely. This is the first time we are organizing a national championship. This game will not only help para swimmers to grow interest but also to the other physically disabled sports persons who are involved in various games.
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