Assam Governor attends inaugural ceremony of the Assam Rifles Sentinels of the North East Women’s Football Championship 2024
Guwahati,Rongili Barta- Assam Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria attended the inaugural ceremony of the Assam Rifles Sentinels’ of the North East Women’s Football Championship 2024 at Lokra in Sonitpur district. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kataria said that North Eastern India is blessed with a pool of sports talent, where athletes not only invest their passion but also bring immense pride to the nation. He also said that there is immense potential for the development of sports and sports persons in the North-Eastern region. “The region traditionally has a strong sporting culture. The society of North East encourages women to play and engage in sports as a profession. The North-East region has produced many great female athletes. There is immense potential for adventure sports in this area. We need to explore and take advantage of this on a priority basis”, the Governor added.
Shri Kataria also said that today the players of Assam are making their mark in national and international sports. Women athletes hold a special place in the state. Icons like Hima Das, Lovlina Borgohain, Jamuna Boro and many more epitomize not just talent but also grace, inspiring generations. The Governor further said, “A sports field transcends barriers of caste, race, and religion; it solely reveres talents. It serves as a powerful symbol of unity, binding people together. To fortify our nation, it is imperative that we nurture and elevate our sporting talent by providing ample opportunities”.
Lauding the activities of The Assam Rifles, Shri Kataria said that formed in 1835, the Assam Rifles are the ‘sentinels of the North-East’. It is working with immense dedication for the internal security as well as peace and prosperity in the NE region. The role of Assam Rifles in bringing the people of the North-Eastern region into the national mainstream has been commendable. Organizing adventure related programs, social development activities and sports competitions by Assam Rifles is also praiseworthy. The Assam Rifles has been instrumental in fostering unity and growth in the North East. Their dedication and service are eternally etched in the hearts of people and they stand tall whenever the nation calls upon them. Tournaments like these serve as catalysts, spotlighting the prowess and potential of the girls and their talents, exhorted the Governor.
It may be mentioned that the tournament will feature seven teams, including state teams from Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Director General Assam Rifles Women Football Team. The Governor witnessed the inaugural match between the state of Assam and Director General Assam Rifles Women Football Team. Maj General Suresh Kumar Bhambhu, SM, Inspector General Assam Rifles East, Padmashree, Arjuna Awardee and former Captain of the Indian Women Football Team Smt. Oinam Bembem Devi, along with a host of other dignitaries were present in the inaugural ceremony.