Gorlosa sends off badminton team for National Games

GUWAHATI: Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Gorlosa formally sent-off the first batch of Assam contingent for the forthcoming National Games here today. The function was held at the Sarusajai Sports Complex and several key officials of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Assam Olympic Association and the players attended it.

The 37th edition of the National Games will be held in Goa from October 26. Assam will participate in 27 disciplines and will send a huge contingent of 363 players and officials in the Games.

The first batch of Assam contingent comprising badminton players will leave the city tomorrow to take part in the Games. Gorlosa today ceremonially handed over the kits to the shuttlers and also released the jersey of the State team. The badminton competition will begin on October 19

Addressing the gathering Sports and Youth Welfare Minister said, “It’s nice to see that so many players from the State qualify for the forthcoming National Games. I wish all of you very best for the competition.”

She also added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, several steps were taken to improve the sports scenario in the State by creating new infrastructure and introducing scientific training facilities.

“We are also organizing Khel Maharan to promote the game at the grass root level and identify the talent early. I hope Assam will soon be able to create a pool of quality players who will compete and bring laurels for the country from various competitions.”

It may be mentioned here that last time Assam won 28 medals in Gujarat. Although a few key players of the State including boxer Lovlina Borgohain will skip the National Games this time, the Assam Olympic Association is optimistic that the State will be able to display a good show in the Games and will better their performance than last edition.

The secretary of the Assam Olympic Association Lakhya Konwar today also praised the State Government for organizing a residential camp for the Goa bound athletes. In his address Konwar said: “We are very happy to see that the Sports and Youth Welfare Department has organized a residential training camp for our Goa bound athletes. It will help the players to fine-tune their skills before the Games.”

The event was also attended by Secretary and Director of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department K J Hilaly and Prodip Timung along with Chef de Mission of Assam contingent Hemanta Kalita and Arjuna Awardee Lawn bowl player Nayanmoni Saikia.

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