GUWAHATI: Assam Olympic Association is all set to host the first-ever Assam Youth Olympics from July 22. In a conversation with The Sentinel Lakhya Konwar, the secretary of the Assam Olympic Association, highlighted the various aspects of the forthcoming Games. Here are the excerpts.
The Sentinel (TS): Share about the preparation of the forthcoming Games
Konwar: Preparation is at the final stage and we are ready to host the event as per schedule. Assam Youth Olympics is a huge platform for the young and budding players of the State and we will try our best to provide them good facilities during the meet.
TS: What will be the number of participants and events?
Konwar: Around 4500 athletes along with 700 coaches and managers from 35 districts will participate in the Games and there will be altogether 306 medals ceremony. While South Salmara and Dima Hasao, with six each, will be the smallest contingent, Guwahati will put the largest one with around 500 athletes and officials. The total numbers of events are 32 and these will be held in eight different venues across the city.
TS: Any activities to promote the game?
Konwar: We are trying to host the Games in the line of major multiple-discipline events like the Olympics and others. There will be Torch Relay in each district which will begin from Tuesday. Already we have sent five teams to various parts of the state for the Torch Relay and they will return to the city before the opening ceremony which will be held on July 22. We also launched the Baton Relay on Monday.
TS: Can you share the plans for the opening ceremony?
Konwar: Efforts are on to make it a spectacular one. The duration of the opening ceremony, which will kick off under flood light at 6 pm at Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, will be around two hours and Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma will attend the function as Chief Guest. Union Minister and president of the Assam Olympic Association Sarbananda Sonowal will also be there along with other guests who will include all the Arjuna Awardees and the captains of National teams from Assam. A cultural function will also be part of the opening ceremony where stars like Zubeen Garg, Nahid Afrin will perform.
TS: City is witnessing a heat wave and some organizers are really worried about...
Konwar: Except a few events like football and athletics all are indoor events. So I hope the athletes will not face too many problems.
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