GUWAHATI:
Both Assam and Meghalaya will work hand in hand with the help of the Indian Army to transform Umiam Lake into a world-class venue for aquatic sports, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said addressing the concluding ceremony of Rising Sun Festival 2022 at Umiam Lake in Meghalaya on November 5.
Assam CM said both states will have to put in concerted efforts to promote water sports in the region.
Thanking the organizer namely Eastern Command of the Indian Army, Gajraj Corps and Red Horns Division for organising the fest, Sarma said that Umiam Lake where the fest is held will be transformed into an attractive tourism hub.
Sarma also said that in future also for the promotion and patronization of rowing and other aquatic sports, Assam and Meghalaya will have to take decisive steps.
Sarma also hoped that with the spread of this fest, the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the region will go to a different level. He also hailed the role of the Indian Army on this occasion.
Sarma further said that the fest has provided a unified platform to different clubs and sports persons to showcase their sporting skills.
General Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Command, Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita, Air Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Air Command Air Marshal Sujeet Pushpakar Dharkar, GOC 4 Corps Lieutenant General DS Rana, GOC 21 Mountain Division Major General S Murugesan and host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The three-day water sports and cultural extravaganza held on November 3 was first of its kind in the Northeast and aimed at encouraging the sports-loving youth of the region to take up water sports like Rowing and Sailing. It also aimed at promoting tourism in the Northeast.
It was an initiative by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command with the governments of Assam and Meghalaya.
The festival was opened by Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma set the ball rolling by opening the maiden regatta on November 3 an occasion marked by colourful festivities and cultural performances by renowned artists.
The event was witnessed by a large number of viewers, locals as well as outstation visitors, who enjoyed keen contests in the number of races both in Rowing and Sailing, a novelty in the region.
22 clubs from across the country took part in the event. The Rowing Trophy was won by the DGAR team, securing one Gold and one silver medal.
The Sailing Trophy was won by the Yatching Club of Hyderabad securing three Gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
The closing ceremony saw a cultural performance by Assamese star Rupali Kashyap who mesmerized the audience. Colourful cultural songs and dance performances by Khasi drummers showcased the rich cultural heritage of North East.