HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, June 15: The Assam Athletics Association (AAA) held its extended executive meeting today at the Tezpur Convention Centre, chaired by Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, who also serves as president of the association. The meeting aimed to accelerate the development of athletics in the state through strategic planning and grassroots engagement.
The event began with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Minister Baruah in the presence of Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rabha, AAA Treasurer Ritubaran Sharma, and several senior dignitaries. Welcoming the gathering, Sharma highlighted the purpose of the meeting and introduced key stakeholders, including prominent athletes and AAA office bearers.
A special felicitation was held for Minister Baruah on his recent election as Vice President of the All India Athletics Federation (AIAF). The association also honored five medal-winning athletes—Gitanjali Boro, Hamsira Rongpi, Neela Basumatari, Pakhila Engtipi, and Suni Barua Gogoi—for their outstanding performance at the World Veteran Athletics Championships in Taiwan.
AAA General Secretary Geetartha Goswami presented the proceedings of the meeting, while Vice Presidents Ashok Bharali and Karunadhar Dutta laid out the upcoming event calendar and programmes under the AIAF and AAA.
Sanjeeb Kumar Phukan, Executive Editor of Dainik Janambhumi and Chairman of the Media & Social Media Sub-Committee, along with representatives of other sub-committees, also submitted their respective reports.
Key Decisions Taken:
Establishment of the first Athletic Academy in Assam, district-level athletics training camps to identify grassroots talent, introduction of statewide kids’ athletics competitions, appointment of dedicated coaches for continuous monitoring of junior and youth athletes and training and certification of new coaches, strengthening sub-committees for better coordination and execution.
Several dignitaries, including Satyabrata Gogoi, CEO of AAA; Uttam Handique, Convenor of the Training & Planning Sub-Committee; and Dr. Diganta Saikia, Convenor of the Executive Committee, actively participated in the discussions.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to nurturing athletic talent across Assam and positioning the state as a strong contender in the national athletics arena.