The Government of Assam has taken several steps to promote sports and encourage the younger generation to pursue careers in this field. Through a combination of infrastructure development, financial assistance, and talent identification, Assam is fostering a sports culture that not only aims for excellence but also provides career opportunities for youth.
A. Mission Talent Hunt:
- In 2017, Assam launched the Mission Talent Hunt under the Assam Sports Policy, aimed at identifying and nurturing young sporting talent across the state. This program scouts young athletes from various disciplines, providing them with coaching, equipment, and financial assistance to compete at national and international levels.
- Sports like football, archery, badminton, and boxing are prioritized, given Assam’s strong tradition in these areas.
B. Assam Sports Policy (2017):
- The Assam Sports Policy was a significant step towards creating a comprehensive framework for sports development. It includes provisions for scholarships, insurance, and job opportunities for athletes, encouraging more youth to consider sports as a viable career.
- The policy aims to create 1,000 jobs in various government departments for sportspersons, ensuring economic security for athletes.
C. Khelo India Program:
- Assam has been an active participant in the Khelo India initiative, a flagship national program aimed at developing sports infrastructure and talent. Assam’s government has collaborated with Khelo India to set up State Sports Academies for disciplines like archery, athletics, and boxing.
- Athletes like Lovlina Borgohain, a boxer from Assam who won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, have benefited from government support through these programs. Lovlina has become a role model for young athletes, inspiring more youth to pursue careers in sports.
D. Building Sports Infrastructure:
- The Government of Assam has heavily invested in building state-of-the-art sports infrastructure to provide better facilities for young athletes. Projects include the development of the Sarusajai Sports Complex, upgrading stadiums in Guwahati and other cities, and creating dedicated training centers for sports like football and hockey.
- These facilities provide young athletes access to professional-grade coaching and training, essential for improving their skills and competing at national and international levels.
E. Assam Youth Olympics:
- The Assam Youth Olympics, launched in 2022, provides a state-level platform for young athletes to showcase their talents. The event features multiple sports disciplines, ranging from badminton to athletics, and offers exposure to young talents who can then be funneled into national programs.
- The Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Department also conducts district-level tournaments regularly to promote grassroots sports participation.
F. Incentives and Awards:
- The Assam government offers several cash awards and incentives for athletes who excel at the national and international levels. For instance, Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain was awarded ₹1 crore for her achievements, serving as a powerful incentive for younger athletes to aim high in their respective sports.
- Similarly, Hima Das, known as the “Dhing Express,” was awarded a Grade I Assam Government post for her outstanding performance in athletics, further encouraging the youth to see sports as a career with job security and recognition.
G. Focus on Indigenous Sports:
- The government is also keen on promoting indigenous sports like Tang-ta (a form of martial art) and Kabaddi, to preserve cultural heritage while creating career paths for athletes in these disciplines. Through initiatives like Vibrant Village Sports, indigenous games are being revived in rural areas, providing rural youth with opportunities to excel in sports.
The Government of Assam has implemented various programs and policies aimed at promoting sports as a career option for the youth. By improving infrastructure, providing financial incentives, and supporting grassroots talent identification, Assam has laid a strong foundation for developing a new generation of athletes. Role models like Lovlina Borgohain and Hima Das serve as proof of how state support can turn local talent into national heroes, motivating more young people to take up sports as a viable career.
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