Governor inaugurates 47th State Level Senior and Junior Athletics Championship 2026
Calls upon youth to strengthen sporting culture for Viksit Bharat
Guwahati,Rongili Barta: Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya today inaugurated the 47th State Level Senior and Junior Athletics Championship 2026 at Nalbari Stadium, Sarihathali, Nalbari, and called upon the youth to embrace sports as a means of building character, discipline, resilience and national pride.
The championship is being organized by the Assam Athletics Association in association with the Nalbari District Administration and the Nalbari District Sports Association.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Governor expressed happiness that nearly 1,200 athletes from across Assam are participating in the championship. He said that such enthusiastic participation reflects the State’s growing sporting culture and is vital for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He described the championship as an important platform for identifying and nurturing future champions who would bring laurels to Assam and the nation.
Shri Acharya said that the land of Assam has produced several outstanding sportspersons who, through their relentless struggle, tireless hard work and determination, have brought immense pride to the State and the Nation. He referred to athletics icons Bhogeshwar Baruah, Hima Das, Amlan Borgohain and Moumita Mondal, boxing champions Lovlina Borgohain and Shiva Thapa, and ace archer Jayanta Talukdar, saying that their achievements continue to inspire young athletes to pursue excellence with discipline and dedication.
Governor Shri Acharya said that athletics lays the foundation for sporting excellence by developing endurance, self-discipline, resilience and commitment. He urged the participants to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, fairness and integrity, reminding them that while medals are symbols of success, perseverance and discipline shape responsible citizens.
Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for sports, Shri Acharya said that initiatives such as Khelo India, the Fit India Movement and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have transformed India’s sporting landscape. He also appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in creating world-class sports infrastructure, encouraging grassroots talent and promoting a vibrant sporting ecosystem in Assam, which has enabled the State’s athletes to excel at national and international competitions.
Expressing confidence that many participants would go on to represent Assam and India with distinction, the Governor said that investments in sports are investments in the nation’s future and would help build a healthy, confident and empowered young generation.
Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, Shri Biswajit Daimary; Finance Minister Shri Jayanta Malla Barua; MLA Shri Ritubaran Sharma; Deputy Commissioner, Nalbari, Shri Nibedan Das Patowary; Senior Superintendent of Police, Nalbari, Shri Bibekananda Das, along with several other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.