GUWAHATI:
Acknowledging the exceptional performance of sportspersons from the Northeast at national and international events, Assam Legislative Assembly speaker Biswajit Daimary said that the youth must be encouraged to pursue sports and other interests.
“Involvement in sports helps in maintaining good health and we should encourage the youth to take up sports as a profession. We also must provide them the support and opportunity needed to excel in their chosen fields of interests,” said Daimary, addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony of the week-long Northeast Festival, at the Veterinary College Ground in Khanapara on April 28.
Approximately 100 delegates from other Northeastern states, and more than two thousand sportspersons and sports lovers from Assam participated in various events on the first day of the festival.
Organised by the DoNER Ministry and the North Eastern Council (NEC) as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the inaugural day of the festival witnessed sports, and cultural events on the grandest scale along with various performances such as folk dance, cyclothon and walkathon, among others.
Besides sports, colourful folk dances by Bodo, Missing, Karbi, Tiwa, Rabha and Hajong communities mesmerised the gathering, and were one of the highlights of the day.
Apart from that, the programmes of the transport department showcasing the road safety measures through Bihu husari, street plays and mime to sensitise people, were garnered good response from the participants. The department also displayed placards with messages on road safety and environmental protection around the venue.
Besides Daimary, retired Air Marshal and North East Council (NEC) member Anjan Kumar Gogoi and additional chief secretary of Assam, Pawan Borthakur and representatives of several Northeastern states were also present at the do.