Sarbananda Sonowal announces cash incentive for State medal winners

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games will take place on a larger and grander canvas in Guwahati from January 10. This was announced today at the launch ceremony event, attended by Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge), Kiren Rijiju.

The event marked the unveiling of the composite logo of the 3rd edition of the Games, the player’s jersey, the Games Mascots and the theme song at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium in the city.

Several stars of Indian sports Hima Das, Swapna Barman and Lovlina Borgohain joined the ceremony, which was attended by a host of dignitaries.

This year, over 10,000 participants from across the country will compete in 451 medal events and the coveted purse in 20 sport disciplines, two more than last year, making it one of the largest sporting initiatives for Indian youth ever undertaken. This year, Cycling and Lawn Bowls have been added to the list of competing sport events.

“I am delighted to welcome the Khelo India Youth Games to Assam. The Games will surely inspire all the children in the state as well as the entire North-East region to take up sports and bring glory for themselves, our state and indeed our country,” Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed at the launch.

Chief Minister today also announced cash award to the state athletes who will win medals in the games. Rs one lakh will be give to the gold medal winner while the cash incentive will be Rs 70 thousand and 50 thousand respectively for the silver and bronze medal achievers.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Government of India, Kiren Rijiju in brief speech in the function said, “The Khelo India Youth Games is one of the most empowering initiatives of the Indian Government that hopes to not only give a platform to youngsters from all over the country to make a future in sport, but also to build India into a sporting nation.”

Hima Das, one of the most celebrated athletes from Assam, unveiled this year’s Games jersey. “This is the biggest boost for us athletes not just in terms of scholarships but also in terms of moral encouragement and motivation. I thank the Government for its vision and want to urge every youngster interested in sport to make the most of this golden opportunity,” said Hima.

Pugilist Lovlina Borgohain, another jewel in Assam’s crown, expressed her delight at being the hosts for the Khelo India Youth Games.

The Games have already turned into a movement with most of the states investing huge sums in identifying, grooming and training youngsters with an eye on the overall champions trophy. Last year, Maharashtra bagged the winners’ mantle, bagging 85 Gold, 62 Silver and 81 Bronze medals. Maharashtra, Haryana and Delhi have been amongst the top three in the previous editions, with Haryana emerging as the winners in the inaugural year.

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