Celebrating Unity, Energy, and Dreams Through Sports
On Olympic Day 2025, Tezpur came alive with chants of energy, hope, and athletic spirit. Union Minister and President of the Assam Olympic Association, Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off the Olympic Day Run, marking a renewed commitment to building Assam as a sporting powerhouse.
Held at the iconic Polo Field, the event drew participants from schools, colleges, and local communities. Athletes ran not just for medals—but for unity, pride, and dreams. The Minister echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision: “Kheloge to Khiloge”—Play and you shall blossom.
Sonowal’s Vision: Grassroots to Global
In his passionate address, Shri Sonowal highlighted how sports promote health, discipline, and national pride. He quoted Bhupen Hazarika:
“Ei prithibi ek krirangon, krira hol shantir prangon”
(“This world is a playground; sport is a field of peace.”)
He added, “From tea gardens to Brahmaputra banks, Assam’s children are dreaming big. We must provide them platforms to thrive.”
Olympic Day: Not Just an Event, but a Movement
PM Modi’s sports schemes like Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have already empowered many Indian athletes. Assam is embracing this movement. Shri Sonowal stressed that sports are vital for Viksit Bharat, not just as physical activities but as nation-building tools.
He recalled how Guwahati hosted the South Asian Games, elevating Assam on the global sports map. Today, athletes like Hima Das and Lovlina Borgohain inspire countless youngsters in rural Assam.
Assam’s Youth Olympics: Where Dreams Take Flight
Sonowal praised the Assam Youth Olympics, a grassroots initiative that uncovers hidden talent. “It’s more than medals. It’s about changing lives,” he said.
He urged schools to embed Olympic values—teamwork, fair play, discipline—into everyday education. From Majuli to Morigaon, sports are helping youth overcome barriers, build confidence, and dream bigger.
Tributes and Emotional Moments
Sonowal also paid heartfelt tribute to:
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Bhogeswar Baruah, Assam’s sports legend
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Rajen Barthakur, a beloved sports patron from Tezpur
He called upon youth to pursue not just academics but also sports and culture—pillars of a strong society.
Commitment to Infrastructure and Inclusion
Post the run, Shri Sonowal led an executive meeting of the Assam Olympic Association. Discussions focused on:
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Expanding sports infrastructure
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Enhancing rural participation
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Improving access and support
The goal: make every district a nursery of champions.
“Let this not be a one-day celebration. Let this spark a decade of sports in Assam,” he said.
A New Sporting Era for Assam Begins
From every lane and field to every school and stadium, Assam’s sports revolution is gaining momentum. Olympic Day 2025 was not just a symbolic celebration—it was a call to action.
With strong leadership, government support, and people’s passion, Assam is set to emerge as India’s sporting heartland.
