Earlier issues -

Hiteswar Saikia Memorial Inter-District Badminton - Double crown for Bahniman

Guwahati : In the Hiteswar Saikia Memorial Inter-District Badminton Championship , Bahniman Bora defeated Angshuman Hazarika of Guwahati 15-11, 15-13 to lift the trophy in the under 19 boys category. He also defeated Pallav Deka 11-15,15-8, 15-8 lift the trophy in the men's category.

In the under 16 girls category , Avantika Deka of Dibrugarh outplayed Rimi Hazarika of Guwahati 11-2, 11-8 to lift the trophy.

Arjuna awardee frustrated, to set up academy - Govt mum on Bhogeswar's plea for synthetic track

Guwahati : After knocking all the doors of the Government and bureaucrats for synthetic track for the athletes in the State, Mr Bhogeswar Barua, has decided to form an athletics academy to train the budding athletics of Assam, in conjunction with some of the veteran athletes of the State.

Mr Barua , the first Arjuna Award winner of the State said : "I personally visited some ministers of the State as well as the Union Ministers who visited the State with the proposal of having a synthetic turn in Assam... But all in vain. 

NFRSC trounce Young Amateur

Guwahati : NFRSC on 4th September came back from behind to defeat Young Amateur 3-1 in the second leg of the GSA Super Division Football Tournament. Hemkanta Kalita netted the ball twice to help NFRSC beat Young Amateur . The other scorer for NFRSC was Prasanta Bharali. While Swister Momin scored for Young Amateur. In the other match, favourities Dynamo defeated Maharana 2-1. Birat Mech scored both the goal for Dynamo whilst Rubul Gogoi scored the lone goal for Maharana.

Bahniman Bora in semis

Guwahati : In the Hiteswar Saikia Inter-District Badminton Championship , Bahniman Bora of Guwahati entered the semifinal of the men's event beating Kabir Bora of Sivasagar 15-4, 15-8. In the under 10 boys events Hirokjyoti Neog of Dibrugarh , Palash Ranjan Hazarika, Dibrugarh , Hilen Chakraborty , Tezpur, and Ronald Deuri of Dibrugarh entered the semifinals. In the under 10 girls category , Rituparna Begum of Tezpur in the finals. In the team event Guwahati A defeated Dibrugarh 3-0 to lift the trophy.

Abhiruchi Sports Day celebrated

Guwahati : Thousands of school children participated in a run on the Abhiruchi Sports Day on 3rd September to celebrate the birthday of Arjuna Award winner Bhogeswar Barua.

More than 10,000 students from various schools and colleges participated in the run from the Chandmari Flyover to the Nehru Stadium to commemorate the occasion.

In a simple function prior to the run, Barua thanked the organizers for the run and hoped that the children would get inspiration and bring laurels to the State.

Baruah said "This day has been observed for the past 19 years and it still seems as if it was just on 2nd September that the first Abhiruchi Day was celebrated.

GTC win GSA Super Division title

Guwahati : When it mattered most, the boys failed. This will sum up ASEB's display in the most crucial match of the GSA Super Division League . The electricity men failed to produced any spark against a full strength NFRESC team on 19th September at the Nehru Stadium and went down 0-1 to the Railwaymen thereby blowing their chances of retaining the Cup that was almost theirs. Gauhati Town Club (GTC) thus won the league after-what their officials said may be 20-odd years.

As luck would have it , the NFRSC team was back to full strength after their main team had returned from participating in the All India Railway Soccer, but this is not to condone the lackluster display by a very strong ASEB forward line.

ACA likely to induct Dhrubajyoti in Ranji Camp

Guwahati : The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) is considering to induct another four or five players in the Assam Ranji probable, including Dhrubajyoti Singh.

Mr Nandan Bezbaruah , Secretary ACA said " Dhrubajyoti's name was proposed by the selectors of the Assam Ranji team during the meeting of the selectors, but due to some inadvertent error, his name was not in the probable list." 

U-17 cricket players being trained in a scientific manner

Guwahati : For the first time , the under 17 cricket coaching camp, is being held in a scientific manner.

The training camp, being held at the NFRSC Stadium under the able guidance of Mr Satyagopal Chakraborty , is using technology to train the players , with emphasis being stressed on the physical aspect of the players. Altogether 33 players are taking part in the camp. The camp will conclude on September 13.

Maharana saved from being relegated, beat City Police

Guwahati : Maharana on 11th September virtually saved themselves from being relegated to the A Division when they defeated city police 2-1 in the GSA Super Division Football League. Jagomohan Bordoloi gave City Police the lead in the 6th minute before Utpal Das equalized for Maharana in the 21st minute. But Rakesh Basumatary ensured that Maharana was not relegated to A Division by scoring in the dying minutes of the game. Rakesh scored in the 88th minutes of the game. 

Assam Amateur Athletics Association meet

Guwahati : An urgent meeting of the Assam Amateur Athletics Association has been convened to discuss the financial aspect of the Association. This was informed by Mr Bishnu Ram Nunisa, convenor , financial sub-committee of the of the Association . The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) office at 10 a.m. on September 15.

Maharana hold NFRSC

Guwahati : NFRSC on 2nd September suffered a setback when Maharana Athletic Club managed to hold them to goalless draw on 1st September in the GSA Super League Football Tournament being held at the Nehru Stadium . NFRSC would have been more than happy if they won this game as a win would have given them a moral booster before their Inter-Railway Football Tournament, scheduled to be held in Vizag from September 8. While in the other match of the league , Dynamo defeated Young Amatuer 1-0 . The all important goal was scored by Relang.

Guwahati , Dibrugarh in finals

Guwahati : Guwahati A and Dibrugarh entered the team events finals of the Hiteswar Saikia Inter-District Badminton Championship being held at the Kanaklata Indoor Stadium . In the semifinal Dibrugarh defeated Guwahati B 3-1 , while Guwahati A outplayed Sivasagar 3-0. In the under -10 boys category Hirokjyoti Neog , Palash Ranjan Hazarika, Ronald Dueri (all Dibrugarh) and Hilen Chakraborty (Tezpur) entered the semifinal. In the under -10 girls Rituparna Kalita (Guwahati ), Salma Sitara and Roslina Begum (both Tezpur) and Manmita Srikanth of Guwahati entered the semifinals. 

2003 National Speak Tekraw

Guwahati : The Senior National Speak Tekraw for the year 2003 will be held in Assam. This was informed by Mr Bishnuram Nunishs, general secretary , Assam Speak Tekraw Association. The details of which are not yet available . Meanwhile , in the Inter-District Sepak Tekraw , held in Silchar, Karimganj were the champions in the men's section while Cacher were the champions in the women's category. 

Language's soccer season almost over

Guwahati : ASEB's right-winger Pabitra Langsung's football season is almost over.

Langsung fractured his left leg while playing in the Nabarun Cup Football Tournament on the August , which was held at AEI Playground.

He fractured his leg in the strangest of manner- while playing football. His leg got stuck in a hole while on the run and in the process broke his febula. 

ASEB-NFRSC in drawn tie , on top in League

Guwahati : ASEB and NFRSC remained as joint leader at the conclusion of the first leg of the Super Division football league after both the teams were locked in a 1-1 drown in their match at the Nehru Stadium on 30th August. Hemanta Kalita put the Railwaymen on track with a 65 minute goal only to find the ASEB team going all out for an equalizer which they achieved in the 85th minute of the match through Sanjeeva Rongti . Both the teams ended their first round of campaign with 17 points from 7 matches. In another match Maharana Athletic Club trounced Young Amateur 4-1 with goals from Sandeepan Chakraborty , Rakesh Basumatary, Rehajuddin Ahmed and Utpal Das. Subham Bhowmick scored the only goal for the losing team.

Ranking badminton from August 19

Guwahati : The All Assam Ranking Badminton tournament will start on 19th August at the Kanaklata Indoor Stadium with several events on cards like the U-10, Mini, Sub-junior and Junior. More than 100 players are expected to vie for the tournament which concludes on August 22. 

Amulya Das passes away

Guwahati : Amulya Das, former vice president of the Assam Sports Association and the president of the Assam Handball Association passed away on 18th August. He was 70. The Guwahati Sports Association has condoled his death. 

Maharana drub city Police, Utpal Das nets four goals

Guwahati : Maharana Athletic Club trounced City Police 5-0 in a completely one sided encounter of the GSA Super Division League at the Nehru Stadium on 18th August.

Utpal Das scored four goals including a hat trick, while Ranjit Kachari netted the fifth one .In another encounter GTO NFRSC played a goalless draw. 

' Marathon man' to grace Abhiruchi Day

Guwahati : The Abhiruchi Sports Day , a day remembering the first Arjuna awardee from Assam Mr Bhogeswar Barua will be celebrated on September 3. Asish Roy, Marathon Man of India will be the chief guest on the occasion . Apart from the traditional mass jogging on the morning of September 3, 16 sportsmen from the State who represented India in the last year in various events, seven former sportsperson and organizer will be felicitated by the Abhiruchi Sports Day Organizing Committee.

These year's Shashi Sharma Sports Organizer Award will be given to Tapan Das from Nagaon.

State Netball team announced

Guwahati : The Assam Netball Association on 1st September selected its men and women team for the 22nd Senior National Championship to be held at Nasik from September 11-15 , Men : Sergenjyoti Phukan , Deepankar Ghose, Sunil Senapati, Hemanta Saikia, Pranjal Paogam, Manish Sonowal, Atiqur Rehman, Ramen Das, Bicky Arora, Sibaji Biswas, Amit Sarkar, Birendra Gogoi. Women : Bhanuka Sonaowal, Gauri Newar, Jharna Debnatha, Putuli Gowala, Mauri Dutta, Surabhi Saikia , Mitali Buragohai, Sangita Boragohai, Binu Phukoon, Mrinali Saingmai.

ASEB, GTC record contrasting win

Guwahati : ASEB continued to be on the top of the GSA Super Division soccer league with a 1-0 victory over Rising XI. The all important goal was scored by Sanjeeva Rongpi in the 56th minute. In another match, Gauhati Town Club celebrated the announcement of their coach Abdul Latif being awarded the best coach for the year 2002 by thumping City Police 5-0 in a one-sided encounter. Malsauntiliana scored a brace for the winner while Padum Rabha, Himinggthansanga, Lalbiakzauva scored one each

GTC leap to third spot

Guwahati : Guwahati Town Club on 29th August defeated Dynamo Club 2-0 in the GSA Super Division Football League being played at the Nehru Stadium. V Malsauntliana and Sujit Majumdar were the scorers. With this victory Guwahati Town Club has climbed to the third spot in the points table.On 30th August, NFRSC will clash with ASEB . The match should be a thriller as both the teams are leading the points table with 16 points each with both the teams having paled matches each. 

Institutional V'ball from Sept 12

Guwahati : The Guwahati Sports Association on 29th August informed that the Inter-Educational Institutional Volleyball Championship will be held from September 12 at the Guwahati Volley Complex at Judges' Field. Interested colleges and schools are requested to contact Mr A H Mojaddad Ali, Honorary Volleyball Secretary, by September 8.

ASEB down Rising XI 2-1

Guwahati : ASEB on 19th August downed Rising XI (2-1) during their Super Division League match at Nehru Stadium . Utpal Basumatary and Lawrance Rongphar scored a goal each for ASEB while Niren Narzary scored the only goal for Raising XI.  

Badminton tourney gets under way

Guwahati : The All Assam Ranking Badminton Tournament , organized by Assam Badminton Association, got under way on 19th August at the Kanaklata Indoor Stadium .Altogether 109 participants are taking part in the tournament. Rituparna Kalita of Guwahati and Salma Sitara of Nagaon entered the semifinal of the under -10 category. 

SANTOSH TROPHY - Burn-out affects performance

Guwahati : The conditioning-cum-selection camp for the Manipur-bound State team for the forthcoming Santosh Trophy may commence from mid-September, said Mr Tapan Chandra Hazarika, a top official of Assam Football Association (AFA).

It may be mentioned here that this year's Santosh Trophy will be in Manipur from October 15.

On conditions of anonymity, a former soccer player of the State said that the Assam Football Association should start the conditioning-cum-selection camp as early as possible... Maybe one-and-half months before the tournament begins.

"In doing this, the AFA will ensure a well-deserved rest for the players generally have a hectic schedule prior to the Santosh Trophy," said the former player.

But it remains to be seen whether the will agree to free their players one-and-half-months earlier as the clubs spend quite an amount on the players to play for them.

It may be noted here that the players have to play in various tournaments including leagues, Independence Cup, Bordoloi Trophy, Inter-District matches etc., in the run-up to the Sontosh Trophy as a result of which the players face the problem of burn-our and are unable to perform.

City team leaves for Gossaigaon on 5th August

Guwahati : The Guwahati football team is leaving for Gossaigaon on 5th August to take part in the Junior Inter District Football championship. The defending championship have been seeded directly into the quarter-finals. It's coach Kishor Chetri sounded a cautious note by saying that if they go through in the first match, their team will be difficult to beat but admitted that the boys have a bit of problem in understanding as they are relatively inexperienced as far playing together is concerned. Guwahati plays its first

match on August 6.

GRA's new committee formed

Guwahati : The new committee of Guwahati Referee Association was formed on 4th August with Zakir Ahmed being re-elected as the president. Suren Ram Phookan, Premadhar Sharma and Bhabani Chandra Barua being elected as vice presidents. Tapan Chandra Hazarika was elected as the secretary while Ibocha Singh and Pradeep Atphuria were elected as assistant secretary and treasurer respectively.

ASEB trounce City Police 7-1 - GSA SUPER DIV LEAGUE

Guwahati : ASEB Sports Club handed a 7-1 drubbing to City Police in the GSA Super Division football league.

On a slippery Nehru Stadium ground here on 26th July ASEB boys completely dominated the proceedings and scored almost their will.

Ace striker Utpal Basumatary was in murderous form on 26th July and fired four goals alone while Sanjiva Rongpi struck twice. Lawrence Rongpi and Kishore Das were the other ASEB scorers. For the cops Jayanta Das reduced the margin. 

State archery inaugurated

Guwahati : The first All Assam (Sr) Inter-District Archery Championship was inaugurated at the Moina Khurung ME School Ground, Pamuhi, Gorchuk here on 26th July.

54 archers from Goalpara, Guwahati , Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Charaideo, Sonitpur, Nalbari, Kokrajhar, Nagaon have already arrived here for the meet where competitions will start from 27th July morning. 

School aquatic meet in the city

Guwahati : The Guwahati District Swimming Association is organising the 1st all Guwahati inter-school aquatic championship at the BPC Swimming Pool, on July 28. 

Khabar, GLP enter semis - MEDIA FOOTBALL

Guwahati : Asomiya Khabar and GL Publications entered the semi-finals defeating Tribune and sentinel respectively.

In two matches played at the SAI Sports Complex here on 26th July both Khabar and GLP recorded 5-2 and 5-1 goal victory against their opponents.

For Khabar Pranjal Hazarika scored a hattrick while Dipmoni Sarma and Chitu Das were the other goal getters. Bhumidhar Barman and Pabitra Gogoi reduced the margin for Tribune.

In the day's second match, Dhruba Mahanta, Bipul Barman (2), Pronoy Bordoloi and Purbajyoti Chutia were the scorers for the GLP side while Dipjyoti Sarma netted the lone goal for Sentinel.

Dhemaji Players dominate - STATE TAEKWON-DO

Guwahati : Dhemaji players are dominating the ongoing State taekwon-do championship with seven gold medals.

On the second day of the three-day meet at the Kanaklata Indoor Stadium Dhemaji won four golds while Jorhat bagged thrice.

The organisers -Kamrup District Taekwon-do Association have informed that state PWD Minister Sarat Borkotoky and Assam Olympic Association have rendered financial assistance in organising the meet.

Barua Inter-media Football Championships at the SAI Complex in the city on 25th July

Guwahati : The Harendra Nath Baruah Inter-media Football Championship got underway at the SAI Sports Complex here on 25th July . The Minister of Social Welfare , Mr Gautam Roy was the chief guest on the occasion . In the inaugural match Aji defeated Janambhoomi 5-3 via a penalty shoot-out. At the end of normal playing time both teams were tied at 1-1 . On the 26th July Tribune will clash with Khabar while sentinel will take on G L Publications. 

AMA team scales Mulkilla Peak

Guwahati : On the occasion of International Mountaineering Year, a team of Assam Mountaineers' Association (AMA), conducted a successful expedition to Mulkilla peak at Spiti Valley of Lahowal recently. The team lead by Parbati Prasad Gautam started its expedition from Leh-Ladakh via Delhi, Manali was able to hoist the AMA and Assam Police flags at Mulkilla-1(5,730 metres) .

Nine players share lead - TELEGRAPH CHESS

Guwahati : FIDE rated Rajib Dhar of NVRHSS, K Sanjoy of Kairang LP School (Imphal) , Sashank Singh of Nichols High School , (Shatribari), Namdan Buragohain of Nazira Higher Secondary Multi-purpose School and Twinkle Daulaguphu of Assam Valley School (Balipara) were among nine others who led the table with three points at the end of third sound of the Telegraph Schools Chess Championship in progress here at the Netajee Vidyapeeth Railway HS School (NVRHSS), Maligaon.

Sub-jr football

Guwahati : The Guwahati Sports Association named a 18-member team for the sub-junior inter district football tournament which is under way at Karbi Anglong.

New Ranji Trophy Format - Chance for Assam to play top teams : Ranjan Bora

Guwahati : Former Assam Ranji Skipper and coach Rajesh Bora on 12th August said that the new Ranji format, introduced by the BCCI, is a golden chance for Assam to play against some reputed teams of the country.

He said "This a golden chance for the Assam players to play against some of the top teams of the country", adding , "The players, however, should not be overwhelmed while facing the top players."

"Good performance by the players will definitely put them in the limelight.... A batsman who manages to score 100-plus runs against Punjab or Boroda will be in the limelight as the national dailies will then carry a news item about the player," Ranjan Bora said.

"In cricket, apart from your hard work and performance , you do need luck," he said , adding, "Hard work does bear fruit."

On Lalchand Rajput and Chandrakant Pandit , he said that if they do come to Assam coach the players, it will be of great help to the players.

"They (Rajput and Pandit) are still fit to play first class matches, and they will be respected a lot...But to make Assam a better team they should be given all responsibility , right from the physical fitness, nets selection. Only then will they be able to provide with a good team," said Bora. 

Carrom tourney

Guwahati : The Narakasurjyoti Sangha is organising an all- Guwahati carrom competition on August 17 and 18 at its premises, to commemorate the Independence Day. Interested players may contact the organisers/office-bearers on or before August 15 to confirm their participation. The joining fees for the singles and doubles for men are Rs 31 and 51, respectively.

Bodybuilding meet in city

Guwahati : Assam Bodybuilding Association (ABBA) will hold the 30th State bodybuilding championship at the District Library auditorium here on September 8.

Competitions for four titles Asom Uday for new bodybuilders, Asom Kumar for below 25 years, Asom Kesri for above 40 years, Asom Shree for seniors will be held in the meet in four height categories.

22-Member U-19 Guwahati District soccer team

Guwahati : Guwahati Sports Association on 1st August announced a 22-member Under 19 Guwahati District team to participate in the Under-19 Inter District Football Tournament being held at Gossaigaon.

Being the defending champions Guwahati has seeded directly into the quarter-finals

The team, to be lead by Mr Kishore Chetri, will leave for Gossaigaon on August 5.

Mr Kishor Chetri said " The players of the selected for the tournament are the best in the District, as a matter of fact they are the best in the State and we expect to defend out title successfully".

The selected players are- Belifong Narzary, Papu Choudhury, Richard Choudhury- goalkeepers; Bhaskar Gogoi, Dikhar Marak, Raju Konwar, Arob Gogoi, Mitradev Sargiary , Krishna Chetri, Nitu Narzary, M S Hazarika, Biju Gogoi, Raja Roy, Manik Basumatary-defenders; Tinku Handique, Parikhit Rabha, R Ahmed, S Relong, Rajeswar Das, Ujjal Nath- strickers. Coach; Kishore Chetri. Manager : Nipen Chandra.

Guwahati Town Club coach dissatisfied with Nehru Stadium's condition - ASEB

down GTC in a thriller

Guwahati : Defending champions ASEB earned full points in the Narayan Chandra Mahajan GSA Super Division League Football Tournament , being played at the Nehru Stadium, on 31st July defeating Guwahati Town Club by a solitary goal. Playing attacking football right from the word go; the ASEB strikers, specially Lalnunzira tried hard to penetrate the GTC defence. The winning goal came in the 27th minutes of the match, when ASEB's Sanjeeba Rongpi scored after being fed by Lalnuzira.

The GTC boys tried their level best to level the score in the second half of the match and completely dominated the match with some excellent moves. But the strikers failed to capitalize the brilliant moves made by other teammates.

A handful of spectators , who were present, appreciated GTC's Naresh Chetri for his excellent all-round performance.

Inter-media soccer final postponed

Guwahati : The final of the Inter-media football, which was scheduled to be played here at the SAI field on 30th July , has been postponed till further notice. As both the finalist terms , Aji and Pratidin, accused each other of hiring players the organizers decided to postpone the match till the whole issue settled. 

Assam team for zonal meet

Guwahati : The 40 members Assam term to participate in the 14th East Zone Athletics Championship to be held at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jharkhand from August 19 to 29, has been announced. The Assam Amateur Athletics Association has asked the selected players to be present at the SSAI complex at 2 p.m. on August 15 with age certificate and the identity card of Assam Ammeter Athletics Association. 

Table tennis camp in city concludes

Guwahati : The summer table tennis camp, organised jointly by Table Tennis Club, Guwahati and Board of Sports of Assam came to an end at the ABITA centenary Indoor Stadium in the RG Boruah Sports Complex here on 19th July afternoon.

NIS coach Govinda Upadhyay and senior state player conducted the 15-day camp where about 70 junior peddlers of the city took part. Some finest points of the game taught in the camp to the youngster in the camp apart from conducting physical fitness activities. Some senior players opined that this type of camp should be organised at the state level in regular basis so that the talented players get enough exposure to show their merits.

In the closing function Sports Minister Robin Bordoloi gave away the certificates to the participants.

Manipur boy snatches lead - TELEGRAPH SCHOOL CHESS

Guwahati : Last year's champion and second seed K Sanjoy Sigh of Kairang Lower Primary School (Imphal) on 19th July defeated overnight leader Nandan Buragohain of Nazira Higher Secondary and multipurpose School (Sivasagar) to snatch the lead in the ninth round of the Telegraph School's Chess Championship and is now raring for a finals here at the Netaji Vidyapeeth Railway Higher Secondary School, Maligaon.

ASEB defeated Dynamo in final on 12th July

Guwahati : Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) defeated Dynamo club at the 3rd Mahendra Mohan Choudhury memorial trophy football tournament at the Nehru Stadium on 12th July. Dynamo lost in the tiebreaker 4-5 when there was no result after full 90 minutes of play.

ASEB play Dynamo in final on 12th July

Guwahati : Fancied ASEB Sports Club will lock horns with Dynamo Club in the summit clash of the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury memorial trophy football tournament at the Nehru Stadium on 12th July.

Football buffs of the city cannot expect an entertaining encounter as the field is full of mud and the ball hardly rolls on it. It is the second football tournament organised by the Guwahati Sports Association on the Nehru Stadium ground, the first was an official league, and on both the occasions players had to fight against heavy mud instead of their opponents. The incessant rain for last three months turned the Nehru Stadium ground slushy and the boys failed to perform according to their potentialities.

Maharana AC enter semi-finals - MMC TROPHY

Guwahati : Playing under heavy rain Maharana Athletic Club defeated Rising XI by a clear margin of 2-0 goals in the last quarter-final match of the Memorial Football Tournament at the Nehru Stadium here on 8th July.

After a barren first session Ranjit Kachari and Anup Lakra Scored for the winning side in the 50th and 55th minutes respectively . The match had to be made a 70 minute affair as heavy downpour disturbed the proceeding. 

State team power lifting meet

Guwahati : The Assam Power lifting Association has named eight-member state team for the national championship to be held at Nagpur from July 12 to 14.

The national meet will be counted as the selection trail of Indian team for the ensuring Asian Benchpress championship scheduled to be held at New Delhi from August 16 to 18.  

Assam boys win three golds - MARTIAL ARTS MEET

Guwahati : Bhaskarjyoti Das, Hirendra Das and Nitanka Gogoi won gold medals in the All India Martial Arts Festival held at Patna recently.

The festival was organised by International Scientific Martial Arts Confederation where a five member team from the city took part. Other members were-- Musaddique Hussain, Neelkamal Chetry, Subhas Medhi was the instructor of the team.

Guwahati Town Club drub NE Rly, in final

Guwahati : Guwahati Town Club is through to the final of the Nabarun Club organised prize-money football tournament out playing NF Railway Sports Club 5-2 at the Assam Institute play ground here on 7th July.

On an unfavorable ground condition Town Club were leading 1-0 at the breather scored by Powng Lunong.

The ground is full of dense grass and players hardly got any opportunity to move freely with the ball. The railway side also suffered a heavy blow when their dependable back Bahadur Chetry broke his leg while tacking with Town mid-fielder Powan Lunong. In the second Padum Rabha, Suren Sonar, Manoj Rajkonwar and Manoj Bora scored for Town while Duleswar Rabha and Thagit Sonowal reduced the margin for railway.  

Dynamo Club enter semi-final

Guwahati : Dynamo Club made it to the last four stage of the on-going Mahendra Mohan Choudhury memorial football tournament defeating City Police by odd goals in three at Nehru Stadium here on 7th July. After a barren first half Riling struck the first goal in the 60th minute by Jayanata Das equalised the issue in the 75th minute. It was Riling again who netted the match winner five minutes before the final whistle.

NF Railway outshoot Amateur to enter semis

Guwahati : NF Railway Sports Club sailed into the semi-finals of the Nabarun Club organised prize-money football tournament defeating Young Amateur by an aggregate of 5-2 goals via tie breaker on 5th July.

The game was locked 1-1 in the regulation time.

Ziwar Raham put Amateur ahead in the 50th minute following a goal mouth melee but Tapash Shina equalised the issue in the 63rd minutes with a beautiful header off a Duleswar Rabha centre.

In the penalty shoot out Young Amateur shooters missed as many as three kicks while NF Railway converted all the first shots. 

Assam girls win power lifting title

Guwahati : Assam girls team emerged champions in the National Sub-junior Powerlifting Championship and East India Girls Powerlifting Championship held at Patna recently.

The medal winners were: Minu Gogoi, Debalina Mili, Juli Doley, Mamu Deka, Jonali Chutia, Sikha Borkotoky, Puspa Borgohain, Mrinalini Saikia, Kakoli Phukan, Rita Baruah Sarmha. 

GTC win match - MMC TROPHY

Guwahati : Guwahati Town Club defeated Jewel Star 4-2 in tie breaker in the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury memorial trophy football tournament.

On a muddy Nehru Stadium ground here on 5th July both the team failed to score in the regulation 90 minutes.

Dynamo down Maharana AC

Guwahati : Dynamo Club entered the second round of the Nabarun Club organised all Assam prize money tournament defeating Maharana Athletic Club 1-0.

At the Assam Engineering Institute ground here on 3rd July both the super division clubs under Guwahati Sports Association played a lackluster game as the ball hardly rolled on the muddy ground. Heavy shower turned the ground quit unplayable and players hardly could plan their moves. Dynamo, however, won the battle scoring the match winner midway through Shiv Sankar Naskar. 

City Police edge past SAI - MMC TROPHY

Guwahati : Riding on a 34th minutes goal by Jayanta Das City police edged past Sports Authority of India (SAI) Sports Club in a first round match of the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury memorial football tournament on 3rd July.

On a Shushy Nehru Stadium ground here players of both the sides had to toil a lot but due to heavy underfoot condition no team could do much except Jayanta's goal. In the later part of the match the policemen got some scoring opportunities but due to lack of endurance and accuracy they muffed up all the chances. The SAI boys hardly got any opportunities to equalise the issue despite some desperate attempts. 

ASEB enter semi-finals - NABARUN FOOTBALL

Guwahati : ASEB Sports Club sailed into the semi-finals of the ongoing all Assam prize-money football tournament organised by the Nabarun Club.

In the quarter-final match, played under heavy rain at the Assam Engineering Institute ground here on 4th July, ASEB defeated 4th Ap Bn by a solitary goal. The match winner was netted by Sanjiva Rongpi in the 38th minutes following a goal mouth melee.   

Rising XI move ahead - MMC TROPHY

Guwahati : A 75th minutes goal by Hareswar Rabha saw the day through for Rising XI as they defeated Young Amateur in the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury memorial football tournament at the Nehru Stadium here on 4th July.  

School chess from July 15

Guwahati : The third Guwahati edition of the Telegraph School Chess Championship will be held from July 15 to 21 . All Assam Chess Association will hold the event in cooperation with Alekhine Chess Club, Kolkata like previous years. Interested players who are yet to appear in HSLC examination may contact the organisers at Manipuri Basti High School here from 5 pm onwards.

Table tennis camp in city

Guwahati : A summer table tennis coaching camp will be organised jointly by Board of Sports , Assam and Table Tennis Club, Guwahati from July 6 to 19 at Abita Indoor Stadium here.

The camp will be supervised by NIS coach Gobinda Upadhaya and senior player Mukul Boro. 

MMC football from July 1

Guwahati : Guwahati Sports Association (GSA) will start its football season with the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury (MMC) memorial tournament at the Nehru Stadium here

from July 1.

On 28th June the GSA secretary Sri Rana Goswami revealed that the MMC Trophy meet will be followed by the GSA super division league for the Narayan Mahajan memorial trophy which is scheduled to be held from July 16. The 'A' division league for the DK Sarma memorial trophy will start from July 25. 

Vengsarkar to train State boys

Guwahati : Former Indian captain and one of the finest batsmen India has ever produced Dilip Vengsarkar will be in the city for six days from July 8.

Accepting an invitation from Assam Cricket Association (ACA) camp as coach. The camp will be held at the Maligaon Railway Stadium for boys under 15, 17 and 19 years.

ACA also invited former Indian star Balwinder Sing Sandhu for a two week coaching camp which will be held in September.  

Army to shift camp from stadium soon

Guwahati : An amount of Rs 2 lakh was handed over by Minister Gautam Roy to Dibrugarh DC for shifting the Army camp from the Dibrugarh Stadium to the Polo Field.

The amount was received from the Local Area Development Fund of Silchar Rajya Sabha MP Kernendu Bhattacharjee. Social Welfare Minister Gautam Roy handed over the amount to the DC on 28th June.  

Swimming course at BPC Pool

Guwahati : The Board of Sports of Assam (BSA) will hold a crash course on swimming at the RG Baruah Sports Complex from July 1. The 21-day camp, meant for children, will be conducted by NIS coaches. Candidates interested in the course may contact Rajib Prakash Baruah, OSD, BSA for detailed information.  

Cricket tourney in city

Guwahati : Geetanagar Sevak Sangha will hold a prize money cricket tournament for the Banamali Thakuria and Nayanjyoti Deka trophies.

The meet will be held at the Geetanagar School ground from July 3. Teams intending to take part in the meet may contact the organisers at KD Enterprise, Mandir Path . 

Olympic Day Run Held in the city

Guwahati : Around 5000 people took part in the Olympic Day Run, organised by the Assam Olympic Association (AOA) in the city this morning despite inclement weather.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi flagged of the run at the Ganeshguri flyover where Indian Olympic Association presented Suresh Kalmadai, Arjun Award winner Bhogheshwar Baruah , along with AOA officials were present. The run ended at the RG Baruah Sports Complex.

A number of sports buffs, however, expressed their dissatisfaction for not inviting them

to the function. Former Sports Minister Gautam Roy was also not invited to the run.

Zakaria for NCA camp

Guwahati : Assam Ranji' keeper Zakaria Zuffri has been invited to join the National Cricket Academy's (NCA) training camp for wicket keeper which will be conducted by former Australian' keeper Rodney Marsh and SMH Kirmani.

The camp will be held at Bangalore from June 24 to 30. 

Jewel Star win - MMC TROPHY

Guwahati : Jewel Star trounced Navajyoti 3-0 in the inaugural match of the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury memorial football tournament at the Nehru Stadium here on 1st July.

Lalmingsangha and T Robert Rohmingliana (two) were the scorers in the one sided affair.

Earlier, former State player Anil Hazarika (Lulu) inaugurated the meet in a brief function where veteran organisers Pulin Das, Jatin Bora NN Singha, Prabin Gogoi, Harakanta Borgohain along with a host of sports persons were present.

State basketball body to set up academy

Guwahati : Basketball Association of Assam (BAA) has proposed to set up a basketball academy in the city.

The BAA president Pulak Goswami said that initially 10 boys and 10 girls will be inducted in the academy who will be given free education and accommodation along with training under experienced coaches. The Association is scheduled to be started at the Judge Field. BAA is also planning to construct an A/C indoor stadium at the Guwahati University at a probable to cost of Rs nine crore. The 13 games stadium will be jointly funded by Basketball Federation of India and BAA, informed Goswami.

Football meet begins

Guwahati : Guwahati Town Club thrashed Chandmari Football Club 12-0 in the inaugural match of the Nabarun Club orgainsed all Assam prize-money football tournament . In a one-sided affair at the Assam Engineering Institute ground here on 27th June Town Club scored five goals in the first session and added seven more in the second half outplaying the inexperienced Chandmari boys . The tournament was inaugurated by Sports Minister Rabin Bordoloi in the opening ceremony where Prafulla Hazarika, Hiranya Kanta Bhuyan, Abdul Latif, Rajib Prakash Baruah were felicitated. The Sports Minister and organising president Moidul Islam Bora were introduced to the players before the match. 

SAI chess camp

Guwahati : A national coaching camp for chess is being organized by Sports Authority of India, North-east Region Sub-centre , Polo Ground, Shillong from June 27 to July 27 . Altogether 20 campers from difference States will participate in the camp. The chief coach is Argentinian Grand Master Maxim Sorokin who will be assisted by Pradeep Kr Singh and Thanihira. 

Basketball selection

Guwahati : Babby Baishya of Sivasagar, Mamden Boro and Kanmoni Lashar (both from Guwahati ) have been selected to attend the Indian sub-junior basketball team selection camp. The players were selected on the basis of their performance in the last National Sub-junior Basketball Championship held at Pondicherry recently. 

SAI selection

Guwahati : Sports Authority of India (SAI) will hold a selection trail to adopt girls in the discipline of athletics for SAI training centre, Golaghat. The selection trail will be held at General Ground, Golaghat on July 4 and 5. Interested athletes may contact SAI training centre, Golaghat for detail informations .

Swimming course

Guwahati : A special month long swimming course will be conducted by Dolphin Swimming and Training Centre at their Japorigog pool from July 1. Interested candidates may contact the officials at the pool by June 30. 

Assam Blues to tour London

Guwahati : Assam Blue Cricket Club, led by former State Ranji captain Rajesh Bora, has proposed to tour London and Scotland.

The team, consisting of 16 players, will play a series of matches against Harrow Cricket Club, London and Laith Frankling Academical Cricket Club, Scotland during their 17-day tour. The team is likely to leave Kolkata on July 18. Interested players with proficiency may contact Bora on Ph No. 664183 as the team is not yet finalised. 

Stage set for Olympic Day Run

Guwahati : The Assam Olympic Association has completed all arguments to hold the Olympic Day Run on June 23 here in the city.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will flag over at 6-30 am where MP Suresh Kalmadi, who is also the president of the Olympic Association, will be present as chief guest. Several leading sported persons like Bhogeswar Baruah, Tayabun Nesha, Dipankar Bhattacharya, Monalisha Baruah will join the run which will be culminated at the RG Baruah Sports Complex covering about seven kilometers.

ASEB win GSA office football

Guwahati : Two late goals by Utpal Basumatary helped ASEB beat Green Valley 2-1 in the final of the GSA office football final played on a slushy Nehru Stadium ground on 20th June .

Monoj Bora put Green Valley ahead in the 28th minute but Utpal's goal in the 55th and 72nd minute enabled ASEB lift the title . 

State tae-kwon-do meet from July 25

Guwahati : The 19th State-Tae-kwon-do Championship , under the auspices of All Assam Tae-kwon-do- Championship at the Nehru Stadium here from July 25 to 27. 

India club body reconstituted

Guwahati : Nasim Ahmed was elected president of the India Club in their annual general meeting held at their club premises here on 15th June.

Wg Comdr. Shyamanga Rajkhowa and Jayanta Baruah have been elected as secretary and treasurer of the new body respectively. 

SBI table tennis

Guwahati : Carfew Roy of Guwahati won double crown in the North East State Bank table tennis championship held at Dimapur recently.

Carfew defeated Nayanjyoti Sarma of Jorhat in the singles final while pairing with Ranjan Barua Carfew defeated Biswajit and his partner.

Guwahati 126/6

Guwahati : Guwahati, put into bat, made 126 for 6 against Dibrugarh on the first day of the four-day senior inter-district cricket tournament final at Chowkidingee, in Dibrugarh here on 9th June.

The major contributions was Mukut Kalita (32), while Souvic Das and Utpal Medhi were at the crease on 23 and 19 , respectively. 

Guwahati take big lead

Guwahati : Guwahati :virtually confirmed their berth in the final of the senior inter district cricket championship for the Nuruddin Ahmed Trophy.

In the semi final against Nagaon at the Nehru Stadium here Guwahati :took a huge 162 run first innings lead on the penultimate day of the three day match on 29th May

In replay to Guwahati first innings total of 293 Nagaon were all out for 131.

On 29th May Mukul Kalita score 83 while Bitap Mahanta bagged six wickets for Guwahati which put the hosts in command.

Guwahati make clean sweep SUB JR I-D BASKETBALL

Guwahati : Guwahati Clinched both boys and girls titles in the subjunior basketball championship which concluded at the RG Baruah sports complex on 10th June .

In the title clashes Guwahati boys defeated Kokrajhar 46-37 while in the girls section Guwahati got the better of Sivasagar 34-24. In the boys semifinal Guwahati downed Morigaon and Kokrajhar defeated Sivasagar while in the girls section Guwahati beat Morigaon and Sivasagar downed Nagaon.

Altogether 10 district teams took part in the three-day meet which was organised by Guwahati Sports Association.

In the closing function this evening ministers Sarat Borkotoky , Gauhati Roy , Pankaj

Bora , Anjan Dutta and Rabin Bordoloi were present and they gave away the prizes.  

GSA football

Guwahati : FCI will take on P&T in the opening match of the GSA office football championship for the Joymoti Das memorial trophy on June 12.

Eight official teams- FCI, P&T, RBI, Green Vally, ASEB, GMC, APBn and Directorate of Sports -are participating in the meet which will be played in knockout basis. The final has been stated for June 19. All the matches will be played at the Nehru Stadium ground. 

GCCC camp begins

Guwahati : The 21 day special coaching camp, organised by the Guwahati Cricket Coaching Centre (GCCC) got under way at the Nehru Stadium here on 22nd May.

The camp was however, inaugurated on 21st May. GCCC has selected 50 trainees of advanced group for the camp where State Ranji coach Rajesh Bora and former state player Utpal Das will impart training state Ranji stumper Zakaria Zuffri has been appointed as technical director of the camp.

State proposes to set up sports academies

Guwahati :The State Government has proposed to set up Regional Athletics Academy in the city , Regional Indoor Games Centre at Nagaon , Adventure Sports Academy at Silghat and Regional Water Sports Centre at Bhamaraguri with grant from 11th finance commission.

Disclosing this in a press conference here on 14th May sports minister Gautam Roy said that the State Government is expecting a sum of Rs 700 lakhs grant from NEC for the development of sports.

Informing about the success of Assam School team in various National School Games, sports commissioner Mrinal Kumar Baruah revealed that this year Assam won a total number of 58 medals including 21 golds. Baruah , however ,expressed concern over participation of over aged players in some disciplines.

Sports Director Nitya Nandan Borkatoky informed the medal winners in the National School Games and provided cash awards with Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 for gold , silver and bronze medals respectively as incentives they are not provided scholarships.

Shiseikan Karate meet in city

Guwahati : The second State Shiseikan Karate Championship will held at the NTC ground Chandrapur here on May 25 and 26.

About 250 players from all over the State will take part in the meet which has been organised by Assam branch of Shiseikan Karate-do Organisation in association with Chandrapur Karate-do Academy.

Pallavi for national TT camp

Guwahati : A leading junior table tennis player of the State Pallavi of Sivasagar has been

selected to attend the junior India trail camp.

The camp is under way at Ajmer from May 21 and will concluded on June 10.

State Karate team

Guwahati :A 16 member State team of the World Shotokan Karate-do Federation India , Assam will participate in the all India Karate competition and training camp to be held at Khandela, Maharashtra from May 27 to 31.

Karate meet at Dhubri

Guwahati : The seventh All Assam Young Spirit Karate Championship will be held at the Prabhat Ch Baruah play ground , Dhubri on May 25 and 26 . Japan Karate Association , Assam and Dhubri Karate Academy will jointly organise the meet.

GSA team for I-D cricket

Guwahati : Utpal Medhi will lead the 16-member GSA district team in the Nuruddin Ahmed Senior Inter-district Championship against Kokrajhar to be held at Nehru Stadium , Guwahati from May 24.

Khanin Dutta is appointed as the manager of the team.

The following is the list of selected players : Utpal Medhi(Cap) , Subrajit Saikia, Mritunjay Gohain, Prantar Sarma , Mrigen Talukdar, Souvik Das, Bitap Mahanta , Bhaiti Ali, Bhaskarjyoti Barman , Rajib Kalita , Dhrubajyoti Singh, Gautam Sarma(wk), Jagjit Singh, Mukul Kalita, Tawhid Ali Talukdar, and Neep Kalita.

Six pugilists selected

Guwahati : Altogether six pugilists are selected for the forthcoming Assam Rifles Senior Boxing Championship to be held at Happy Valley , Shillong from May 27. Luise Pereira will accompany the players as coach cum manager.

The players are - Santi Kumar Singh, Benudhar Chetia , Dilip Gogoi, Binay Thapa, Dinesh Timung and Santu Aley. 

Rajesh to coach GCCC boys

Guwahati : The Guwahati Cricket Coaching Centre (GCCC) will hold a 21-day special coaching camp for their U-19 trainees at the Nehru stadium from May 21. State Ranji coach and former captain Rajesh Bora will be assisted by former State player Utpal Das , stated a GCCC release.

Kickboxing meet

Guwahati : Maharashtra Kickboxing Association (MKA) has invited Assam to take part in the 8th National Full contact kickboxing championship to be held at Andheri Sports Complex , Mumbai from June 6 to 9.

Assam Kickboxing Association , an affiliated unit of the MKA is planning to prepare State

team for the national meet.

Sports quiz in city on June 7

Guwahati : New Art Players, a premier socio-cultural organisation of the State is organising a Sports Quiz in memory of former state cricketer Mriganka Borkatoki.

The quiz, open for the students of the class VII to X , will be held at Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir here on June 7. For details interested teams, consisting of three members, may contact the organisers at the New Art Players office Jurpukhuri, Uzanbazar, Guwahati -1.

Sports Minister's aid to ACA

Guwahati :Sports Minister Gautam Roy has donated a sum of Rs 25,000 to Assam Cricket Association (ACA) for the Assam Cricket Academy which was started last year. Roy also agreed to provide financial assistance to ACA for purchasing bowling machine etc. The amount was handed over to ACA secretary Nandan Bezbaruah on 16th May.

Kakoli wins cadet title , other finals on 13th May

Guwahati : Kakoli Lakhar clinched the cadet girls title defeating Snigdha Choudhary 3-0 in the final in straight sets in the Don Bosco School organised All Guwahati Junior table tennis championship .

It was a fruitful day of Kakoli at the Don Bosco auditorium as the young girls entered final in the girls sub-junior and junior section also.In the sub-junior semi final she defeated Needhi Kotoki 20-18, 11-15,7-11 and 11-7.Kakoli now will meet downed Namami Goaswami in the final who downed Aparna Deka 9-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-5 and 11-9 in the other grueling semi final.

In the girls junior semi finals Kakoli defeated Needhi 9-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-4 while Nomami Deka 11-5,11-6, 11-4 quite convincingly.

Agniban Dutta will take on his twin brother Anirban Dutta in the cadet boys finals. Agniban downed Animesh saikia 11-9, 11-8, 11-6 while Anirban downed Animesh Saikia 11-8, 11-7, 11-5.

In boys sub junior last four stage Abhishek Tigga beat Simanta Baruah 11-9, 12-10, 7-11,2-11, 12-10 while in the other match Sourik Bhowmick beat Agniban Dutta 11-8, 12-10, 15-17, 11-4.

Prize money football meet

Guwahati :Nabarun Club will hold a prize money football tournament in the all Assam basis at the Assam Engineering Institute ground here on June.

An organising committee with Moidul Islam Bora and Aftab Hussain as secretary was formed to hold the tournament for which invitation has been sent to all leading teams of the State. The organisers have proposed to offer Rs 21,000 to the champion team and Rs 11,000 to the runners up teams.

Book on world football released

A book on world football -Biswa Football written by Lokeswar Gogoi in Assamese, was released in a function at the Guwahati Press Club on 12th May.

Releasing the book veteran sports persons Nripendra Narayan Singha said that this book will fulfil the aspirations of football lovers who want to know about the football including World Cup, UEFA Cup, FA Cup etc. And life history of 138 famous players of 36 countries.

Noted Sports person Pulin Das presided over the function where journalist Premadhar Sarma critic Pulak Lahari threw light on the book while addressing the gathering.

Former noted State footballers Dr Sarat Dutta , Prafulla Hazarika , SAI city centre director Hara Kanta Borgohain and several sports persons were also present in the function.

Priced at Rs 150 the book also contains about 300 photographs of different players and teams.

Junior TT meet gets under way

The All Guwahati Junior Table Tennis Championship got under way at the Don Bosco School auditorium here this morning on 12th May.

About 140 youngsters from city based table tennis centres like Kanaklata Indoor Stadium , Smriti Sangha, Maligaon , Don Bosco are participating in the three day meet which will be concluded on May 14.

Competitions will be played in cadet, sub junior categories for both boys and girls.

The championship was formally inaugurated by Dr JP More , president , Lions Club Guwahati city in well attended opening ceremony.

Rural Sports meet postponed

The All Assam Rural Sports meet, which was scheduled to be held at Dudhnoi from May 17 has been postponed to May 27.

The meet will be staged by the Goalpara Sports Association under the aegis of Assam State Sports Council. The organisers in a release asked all the district associations to send their teams to Dudhnoi on May 26.

Basketball camp in city

The selection trial to prepare the Guwahati team for the seventh inter-district sub-junior basketball championship got under way at the Nehru Stadium courts on 10th May

Bamboo rafting mighty Brahmaputra

A four member team of Assam Educational Explorer's Forum successful completed a bamboo rafting on mighty Brahamaputra.

The expedition was flagged off by Tankeswar Deori at Saikhowa Ghat on April 17 and it eliminated at Kharghuli area of the city on April 30. During the 14-day daring expedition in the untimely monsoon , the team passed through Dibrugarh , Nimatighat, Majuli,

Biswanath Ghat, Singari Ghat, Chandrapur and Kuruwa.

Assam out Shoot Bengal to win title NATIONAL SCHOOL GAMES:

Hosts Assam had to wait for the penalty shoot-out to beat West Bengal 4-2 in the final of the 47th National School Games U-14 football championship .

Despite enjoying district territorial supremacy in the mediocre encounter at the Nehru stadium here today . Assam boys failed to hit the target atleast on three occasions from which they should have scored.

Bulu Jigdang, Amir Jigdang and Dharani Boro missed good scoring opportunities in the second session as the first half was almost evenly played. But in the later part of the match Bengal midfielder Jayanta Das led their team from the front and made a couple of fine moves which caused trouble to the Assam defence .

The defenders of both the sides ,however, displayed some better brand of game and hardly allowed their rivals to cruise through to the striking zone most of the time .

TT meet for juniors begins

The All Guwahati table tennis championship for juniors got under way at the Kanaklata Indoor Stadium here this afternoon .

Biju Hazarika , president of the Assam Table Tennis Association , inaugurated the meet where State body officials Abbas Uddin Ahmed , Binoy Das , Nitin Changkakoty , Jiten Gogoi were also present.

About 80 paddlers in cadet, sub-junior and junior sections are participating in the tournament which has been organised by the Table Tennis Club, Guwahati.

Karate meet

Lachit Jyoti sangha Karate-Do-Academy in going to organise the 4th All Assam Open Karate Championship on June 29 and 30 at Abita Indoor Hall , Nehru Stadium , under the auspices of Assam Shorin-Ryu Seibukan Karate Unit.

Uttam Kayastha , chief instructor , Black Belt 3rd Dan Assam Shorin Ryu Seibukan Karate Unit has informed that this championship that this championship is open for all semi contact karate style.

Recommendations of Sports Task Force should be implemented

The Union Minister of State for Sports, PON Radhakrishnan, has been urged by the State Sports Minister, Gautam Roy, to implement the recommendations of Task Force which was constituted for creation of sports infrastructure in the entire North-east region. Sources informed that, Radhakrisnan along with other top Sports Authority of India (SAI) officials was on a two-day visit to the State.

Sri Roy in his appellations, also said that, the Task Force which recommends good number of schemes under culture exchange, NSS, Physical education, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides, expansion of Assam Flying Club etc. should be immediately implemented, so that, the State sports is developed to a certain height, and new talents

come forward to make the State feel proud of them.

Inter college cricket from April 6

The inter-college cricket tournament has began on April 6, at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) ground in the city. Sources informed that the tournament was organised by the Guwahati Medical College Students' Union. In the second day's match, Jorhat Engineering College (JEC) won with a huge 187-run victory over B Barooah College. Earlier, in the inaugural match, the Guwahati Medical College defeated Regional Dental College by 43 runs, informed the sources. 

GSA TT title clinched by Luitpaar 

In the Inter Club Table Tennis Championship, for the Mohan Ch. Das and Saralabala Das trophy, organised by Guwahati Sports Association, the Luitpaar Club bagged the title trophy. Sources informed that, the Luitpaar Club had defeated Table Tennis Club of Guwahati by 3-0.

Binoy Hazarika, the acting president of All Assam Table Tennis Association gave away the prizes at the closing function, informed the sources.

Kamrup Academy, Bhaskar Vidyapith won

In the Amulya Das memorial school cricket tournament held at Nehru Stadium, on April 7, Kamrup Academy and Bhaskar Vidyapith has won victory. Sources informed that, Kamrup Academy had defeated Modern High School by 3 runs, while Bhaskar Vidyapith trounced South Point High School by four wickets in the two respective matches. Kamrup Academy has scored 108 runs in the allotted 20 overs and Bhaskar Vidyapeeth students hammered up to 101 for six wickets.

Assam players for CCI camp

Sarupam Purkayastha and Sekhar jyoti Barman, two young cricket players would be sent by the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) to appear in a trial camp to be organised by Cricket Club of India (CCI), Mumbai. Sources informed that, the youngsters would have to appear in a selection camp to be held from April 11 to 14, and that, if they gets selected then they would be able to join the two-month camp which would begin from April 16.

Maligaon spikers clinch title

In the Narengi Unnayan Samity organised day/night prize money Volleyball tournament, Maligaon Volleyball Club has won the title, on March 31. Sources informed that, the finals were played at Narengi Krira Sangstha playground where the Maligaon boys trounced Trishul Sangha, Chamta by 3-0. However, in the semi-finals, Maligaon outfit defeated Luitpar, Blue by 3-0, while Chamata side downed Dispur Volleyball Club by 4-1.

The meet was inaugurated by sports writer Pulak Lahiri, and in the closing function, Samarjit Das and Dibakar Sarma, the donors of the trophies, gave away the trophies. The meet was also presided over by veteran sports person Pulin Das and Kamaleswar Barman. The tournament was however, organised to create a sporting atmosphere in the locality, informed the sources.

Former Soccer player expired

Harmon Hmar, a former junior State football player breathed his last, at his Haflong residence following a massive heart attack, on March 18. He was only 38-years-old at the time of his sad demise. Sources informed that, Hmar's untimely demise has shocked the football lovers in the entire State.

Hmar, who had represented Assam in junior national football championship for the Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Trophy in 1984, was a DSP in Assam Police and was posted at Charaimari Battalion. Sources informed that, he also played for Maharana Athletic Club in 1980s.

However, he had left behind his wife and two minor daughters after his death, said the sources.

Anshuman, Kasturi comes out in flying colours

In the Iswardas Bhuyan Memorial Junior Tennis Championship, organised by the North East Tennis Foundation, Anshuman Dutta, Kaushik Das, Kasturi Verma and Pornoi Das, has clinched the title walking away with the champion's trophies, on March 25.

Sources informed that, Anshuman had lifted the boys U-18 title, defeating Hrishikesh Deka by 6-2 and 6-3. Kaushik Das has beat Sumen Kr. Debnath by 6-1 and 6-4, for the boys U-14 crown, and for the U-12 crown, Pornoi Das defeated Rekibul Hussain by 6-3 and 6-3. While for the girls U-18 category, Kasturi Verma downed Varsha Dutta by 6-4 and 6-3, reported the sources.

The prizes were given away by Smt. Kanaklata Bhuyan, JC Pegu and Tapan Baruah, at the closing function of the championship.

GSA forms new general body

Guwahati Sports Association (GSA) has formed its new general body in the annual general meting held in the GSA office today.

With president Jaint Bora , secretary Rana Goswami , joint secretary Paresh Das , treasurer Chaya Boro, volleyball secretary Binoy Medhi, athletic secretary Khanin Dutta , hockey secretary Nitya Sarma, badminton secretary Hemanta singh, basketball secretary Mukut Medhi, cricket secretary Bablu Chaudhary already have elected uncontested , election was held for the posts of vice president(two), assistant general secretary (two), football secretary and table tennis secretary. 

Rajib Dhar brings glory to Assam 

Rajib Dhar, a 16 year-old chess player of the State got the FIDE rating, informed the sources. His name has appeared in the April month's rating list by the International Chess Federation, and was given 2032 rating points. Sources however, informed that, Rajib is the youngest chess player of the State to get the FIDE rating. His encouraging show at the last National 'B' Championship, has led him to his success, said an All Assam Chess Association release. However, it is to be mentioned that, earlier 13 players from the State got the FIDE rating.

Gopal clinches gold medal for Assam

In the East Zone sub-junior boxing championship held at Rupa in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam boxers won one gold, one silver and four bronze medals. Sources informed that, Gopal Boro clinched the gold medal, while Dipak Boro won silver in group D-2 and E-2, respectively. The bronze medals were won by Raju Sahi, Grunogaurav Chetia, Smti Bina Boro and Smti Joyjyoti Baruah, said the sources.

Selection trial to be held in city by SAI

A selection trial would be held by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) city centre to recruit talented sportspersons under SAI residential and day boarding scheme. Sources informed that, the selection trial would be held at SAI new Field complex in Sonapur Mini Stadium from May 9 to 11. The trial for athletics, archery, boxing, taekwondo and weightlifting would be held at New field on May 9 and 10, and the selection for kabaddi would be held at Sonapur on May 11, informed the SAI sources.

Chess exam of National level

An All India Conference and National arbiter examination would be held by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) at Chennai from May 17 to May 19. Sources informed that, a national junior chess championship would also be held prior to that, for under 12 and 14 years old players. MPK Singh, the secretary of the All Assam Chess Association (AACA) has been assigned to give detail informations about the conference and examination, said the AACA sources. 

Semis of Nuruddin Trophy witness Dibrugarh team

The Inter-District cricket tournament for the Nuruddin Ahmed Trophy, witnesses the entrance of the Dibrugarh team into the semis of the tournament after beating Tinsukia. Sources informed that, the Dibrugarh team defeated the Tinsukia team on the virtue of a 95-run lead at the Chowkidingee ground, on April 12.

AWA meet

The State weightlifting Championship staged by the Assam Weightlifting Association (AWA) would be held at the Railway Institute, Lumding, on April 23 and 24. Sources informed that, the lifters intending to take part in the meet are asked to contact the organisers at the competition venue. A referee examination would also be held during the competition, said the AWA sources. 

Cricket of veterans

In the veterans' cricket tournament played in Jamshedpur, on April 8, host Bihar defeated Assam to go down by 35 runs. Sources informed that, in the big scoring match Bihar amassed a mammoth total of 292 in the stipulated 40 overs and later foiled the Assam innings at 257. Pradip Khanna of Bihar smacked 157 runs, while D Jha contributed 78, said the sources. And for Assam, skipper Sumit Dutta and Biswajit Mazumdar were the successful batsmen with 93 and 60, respectively.

Assamese cricketers in East Zone Academy

The six week East Zone Academy camp which would be commenced at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata from April 15, would also witness the presence of three Assam cricketers, namely Khanin Saikia, Dhiraj Goswami and Sadiq Imran Choudhury, who had been selected for the camp. Sources informed that, the final batch for the Bangalore-based National Cricket Academy would be picked up from the inter-zonal tournament

that would be held after the completion of the camp. Mukut Das, who represented Assam in the selection meeting, informed that, Dilip Vengsarkar, the former Indian star advised the selectors to put more stress on producing genuine pace bowlers.

Sumit - leader of Assam veteran's cricket 

The fourth National Veteran's Cricket (above 35) Championship that is to be held from April 8, would also be taken part by the State team. Sources informed that, the team would be led by Sumit Dutta. However, altogether 17 teams would vie for honours in the championship that would conclude in Delhi, with the finals on April 14. Assam would take on host Bihar in its inaugural fixture at Jamshedpur on April 8, said the sources.

However, among the selected players include Sumit Dutta (Captain), Sumit Nag, Biswajit Majumdar, Bipul Das, Ramen Bhuyan, Tapan Chakraborty, Debashis Sinha, Maharishi Bora, Jayanta Choudhury, Purba Konwar, Utpal Bhattacharjee, Sekhar Poddar, Debajit Saikia and A Sarma.

Bhaskar Vidyapeeth, Kamrup Academy clinches title

In the school cricket tournament, held at Nehru Stadium, Bhaskar Vidyapeeth and Kamrup Academy has won in their respective matches, on March 31. Sources informed that, in the day's first match Bhaskar Vidyapeeth has defeated Mother Ayesha English School by six wickets, while, in the second match Kamrup Academy got the better of Student Faculty School by four runs.

Parag, Ritu won awards in climbing meet

In the Nilu Talukdar memorial all Assam Rock Climbing Competition, Parag Sharma and Ritu Saikia won the best awards in men's and women's sections respectively, held on March 31. Sources informed that, altogether 35 climbers took part in the meet which was organised by the Assam Mountaineering Association.

Roshan Ferrao wins Mr. Saraighat title

In the Vinay Cement Mr. Saraighat 2002 RG Baruah Memorial Open Bodybuilding Championship held at the District Library auditorium, on March 17, Roshan Ferrao of All India Electricity Board has won the title of Mr. Saraighat, 2002. Sources informed that, altogether 120 bodybuilders from different parts of the country, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, North Bengal and hosts Assam had participated in the meet. Former Mr. World (Natural) Raymond D'Souza enthralled the crowd as a guest poser. K Malleswar became the runners-up of the meet, said the sources.

Indian Cricket Captain hopeful of winning finals in ODI

Expressing his satisfaction over the youngsters' performances at Hyderabad, Saurav Ganguly, the Indian captain, said that, he was hopeful of winning the final match to be held in Assam, on March 19. He said that, after winning the last match, the teams's morale has gone up and their success has given the players full of inspiration to keep the Indian flag fly. Later, speaking to newspersons about the Nehru Stadium field, Ganguly said that, the pitch of the Stadium was quite good and cricket lovers could expect a high scoring match. He also revealed that, if they could field first, they would be able to restrict the opponent to 240, and then it would not be difficult for them to reach the target.

Meanwhile, all tickets for the match have been sold out, the sale picking up after India managed to level the series with a comfortable five-wicket victory in the last day-night encounter at Hyderabad. Security has also been beefed up for the smooth going of the match, informed the sources.

Preparations on for city ODI

Tickets for the city one-day international cricket, scheduled to be held on March 19, between India and Zimbabwe, would be sold from March 14. Nandan Bezbaruah, the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) secretary, said that, altogether 17,500 tickets would be issued for the match, and out of that 9,000 would be distributed among the ACA affiliated 33 districts and BCCI-affiliated State associations. The Assam Cricket Association sources informed that, the revenue for ACA from the ensuing match would be Rs. 85 lakh, whereas the total expenditure would be to the tune of Rs. 45 lakh, which means that, ACA would get a profit of Rs. 40 lakh from the match.

Mr. Bezbaruah informed that, both the teams would reach Guwahati on March 17, and would be staying at Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok. Meanwhile, briefing to newspersons, the City SP Mr. Paresh Neog, said that, elaborate security arrangements have also been made to ensure safety during the match.

Boxing camp at Golaghat

Under the guidance and supervision of the Golaghat District Amateur Boxing Association, a six-day camp would be held at Golaghat, from March 15. The Assam Amateur Boxing Association in a release informed that, the camp would be organised to select the State team for the junior National Boxing Championship to be held in Ludhiana from March 26 to 30. The release further added that, the Inter-district Boxing Championship would be held at Tinsukia in the last week of May, 2002.

Cricket fans fail to show eagerness for city ODI

The limited number of ticket buyers in the UCO Bank for the one-day international cricket in the city to be held on March 19, has shown less enthusiasm among the cricket buffs. Being asked about the reason, some of the cricket lovers opined that, the cause behind subdued enthusiasm for the match among people might be the absence of star players like Sachin Tendulkar, Javagal Srinath and Virendra Sehwag. The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) sources informed that, out of 34 affiliated districts only 12 districts had till date lifted their quota of 200 tickets. And now, said the sources that about 8,000 tickets were yet to be sold. However, the ACA officials believed that, all the tickets would be sold out in time and the entire Stadium would be a packed house on March 19. 

Bodybuilding tournament from Mar. 22

Prasanta Bora, the general secretary of Assam Association of Body-builders in a press release informed that, the four day 41st Senior National Body-building Competition would be held at Howrah in West Bengal from March 22. He informed that, the Assam squad would also take part in the bodybuilding tournament. Assam would however, be represented by Bijit Gogoi and Dipak Jyoti Changmai of Sivasagar, Jack Daulagaphu of Haflong, Gautam Kalita of Nagaon and Samarjyoti Mahanta of NF Railway.

Renovation works for city one-day international going-on in full swing

The entire RG Baruah Complex of Nehru Stadium is under preparations for the ensuing India-Zimbabwe one-day international cricket match, scheduled to be held on March 19.

Sources informed that, the Nehru Stadium ground has already wore a green look as the grasses on it are given scientific treatment by the staff. Kamal Das, who is in charge of the ground, while expressing his satisfaction said that, the outfield of the ground has taken fine shape as grasses grew fully and that within a short time all the grasses would be trimmed after using roller. However, other renovation works are also going-on in full swing as the Board of Sports of Assam is trying to give the entire complex a bridal look for the mega event.

Meanwhile, rates of tickets for the match has also been fixed by the ACA, which are like - Rs. 400 for gate no. 10, Rs. 350 for gate no. 2, Rs. 300 for gate no. 1, Rs. 250 for gate no. 3 and 7, Rs. 200 for gate no. 12 and Rs. 100 for students. Authority sources later informed that, all tickets would be issued through Bank only.

Pillik Football began from Mar. 7

The Pillik Choudhury memorial U-14 inter-district school football tournament began at the SAI complex, on March 7. On the opening day's matches Karbi Anglong defeated Sonitpur by 4-0, Darrang trounced Karimganj by 7-1, Nagaon beat Nalbari by 4-1 and Dhubri got the better of Lakhimpur by 3-0.

Sources informed that, a host of sports persons, together with Sports Minister Gautam Roy, Sports Commissioner Mrinal Kumar Baruah, director NN Borkakoty, ACA joint secretary Bikash Baruah, SAI city centre director HK Borgohain, ASJA president BM Chakravorty, were also present in the inaugural function.

SAI selection

A selection trial would be conducted by the SAI Regional sub-centre, on March 11 and 12 for induction of talented football players (boys) in different SAI training centre located in Assam, under residential and non-residential schemes. Sources informed that, all the promising players in between age group of 14 to 18 years have been asked to report to the assistant director, SAI training centre for their participation in the selection trial, on March 11.

Rupkamal Kakaty appointed as match observer

Rupkamal Kakaty, a noted teacher of Darrang College, Tezpur and the vice-president of the Assam Cricket Association has been appointed by the Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI), as the match observer for the Pepsi series first one day international cricket match, to be held at Faridabad, on March 7. Sources informed that, the one day international would be played between India and Zimbabwe.

Assam team for National Basketball Championship

The 52nd Senior National Basketball Championship will get under way at Ludhiana from March 5. Sources informed that, the Assam team for the championship would depart from here on March 2.

The men's team from Assam consist of Rajib Bora, Safiqul Hazarika, Sanjib Sukanta Mitra, Cheniram Hazarika, Rishi Singh, Raihanuddin Ahmed, Nripen Lahkar and Dinesh Saikia as the coach. Whereas the women's team consist of Saleema Begum, Mayurapankhi Saikia, Gitimonjuri Gohain, Mumpy Das, Mitali Das, Rupa Baishya, Radha Tiwari, Tazneen Sultana, Nizara Kumari, Rima Kalita and Bhabajyoti Bhattacharjee as the coach.

Assam's team in Women's National Handball Championship

In the Women's National Handball Championship to be held at Nagpur, from February 26, Assam's team would also take part in it, said the sources. Sources informed that, Ajanta Devi would lead the Assam team, and the team apart from her includes : Barnali Changmari, Dulumoni Gogoi, Bijumoni Saikia, Babli Dey, Maushumi Bhattacharya, Tulika Talukdar, Jaya Boro, Babita Chetri, Srabani Paul, Anumoni Patar and Bijaya Dutta Banik.

Guwahati team for U-14 Inter-District Cricket tournament

The U-14 Inter-district Cricket Tournament for the Amarjit Sarma Memorial trophy is presently going on, at Golaghat. A 15-member team would represent the Guwahati team in the tournament, informed the sources. The Guwahati team would however, play their first match on February 27, said the sources. The team includes : Shiv Sankar Roy (capt.), Bikash Sarma, Nayan Talukdar, Dhiraj Hazarika, Abhinandan Bhattacharjee, Tapasjyoti Pandit, Dhimanjyoti Bora, Arminder Singh Oberoi, Abhisek Mazumdar, Snil Ranjan Gogoi, Biramjit Phukan, Rajkumar Avik Gohain, Pankaj Gurung, Kunal Sarma and Mukut Kalita.

GIC, RBI win in first match of Inter-bank Cricket tournament

In the opening match of the Girish Goswami memorial Inter-bank Cricket tournament, the General Insurance Corporation (GIC) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) won in their respective matches. Sources informed that GIC has outplayed Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) by nine wickets, while Reserve Bank of India had trounced P&T by 74 runs. It is to be mentioned that, the Girish Goswami Memorial Inter-bank Cricket tournament began from February 20, at the Latashil playground in the city. 

Veterans Cricket meet

A cricket tournament amongst the veteran cricketers of above 35 years of Guwahati, Railways, Media and Bank XI, would be held by the Ex-Cricketers' Association of Assam. Sources informed that, the tournament would be arranged in the memories of late Girin Baruah, Raju Goswami, Pradip Hazarika, Nilimoy Choudhury, SM Qamar, Mrigen Bharali, M Barkakati, MP Baruah and others. The matches would however, be played at Railway Stadium, Maligaon from March 8 to 10 and there will be 35 overs in the tournament, said the sources.

Aji clinches title in media cricket

In the 4th GPC Challenge Inter-Media Cricket Championship organised by the Guwahati Press Club, Aji comes out with flying colours clinching the title of the Championship, after defeating Sadin by four wickets in the summit clash at the Latashil playground, on February 18. Sources informed that, this was the fourth time for Sadin to enter into the final, but another consecutive year that it failed to win.

In the encounter, Sadin scored a total of 159 runs for seven in the stipulated 25 overs, while, Aji hit up with 163 runs losing six wickets with 1.1 overs to spare. Tohid Ali Talukdar and Rajib Kalita were the leading scores for Sadin with 61 and 52 runs, respectively, while Ashis Das and Asif Latif made the task easy for Aji in attaining the target. Ashis was adjudged man-of-the-match, while Gautam Sarma received the man-of-the-tournament award, and Amal Das of Sadin and Gautam Sarma got the best batsman and bowler awards, respectively.

Assam Women Football team

The 10th Women's National Football Championship scheduled to be held at Malda, West Bengal, from February 20, would also be participated by a 18-member Assam team. Sources informed that, the team would include Snehlata Baglary, Manju Chaliha (GK), Dipti Hazarika, Debi Borgohain, Jyotsna Dey, Krishna Gogoi, Hema Phukan, Kalpana Gogoi, Pratima Gogoi, Manjita Nirmalia, Rupa Basumatary, Rekha Boro, Ganga Devi Jorga, Anjan Pegu (capt.), Nitumoni Saikia, Minakshi Borgohain, Padmawati Gogoi and Kunti Dighal.

Finals of AITA-zonal Jr. Tennis Championship

The finals of the AITA-Zonal mini/sub junior Tennis Championship being played at the NETF courts has been declared to take place on February 27. Sources informed that, Avinab Sarma, Kaushik Das, Momin Ali, Varsha Dutta and Kasturi Verma entered into the finals of the championship.

Abhinab defeated Suman Devnath, while Kaushik downed Sudhanta Mohanty, Momin beat Raghavendra Yadav in the boys under-16 category. While, in the girls under-14 semi-finals, Kasturi beat Shivani Dutta. And in the girls under-16 category, Varsha downed M Muhury in the last-four stage, informed the sources. 

Assam Regiment wins victory

In the finals of the General Lahiri Memorial Army Championship, the Assam Regiment football team lifted the trophy by defeating the Madras Engineering Group Centre and School in Bangalore. Sources informed that, the team won the trophy for the second consecutive year.

The Assam Regiment comprised of players from North East States, showed an impressive performance without losing a single game during the entire championship.

AITA-Zonal tennis from Feb. 25

The AITA-Zonal mini/sub-junior Tennis Championship would be held from February 25, at North East Tennis Foundation at Dispur. Sources informed that, the tournament has been organised by the All Assam Tennis Association (AATA) and would be inaugurated by Tapan Kr. Baruah, vice-president of AATA. Organisers have till date received 80 entries, and participants has come from host State Assam, Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal, informed the sources. The matches would however, start from 8.30 am.  

Nehru Stadium visited by BCCI official

The preparations made by the Nehru Stadium authority for the India-Zimbabwe fifth one-day international to be played in the city on March 19, has satisfied the BCCI chief curator Kasturi Rangan. Mr. Rangan during his visit to the Stadium, to take a stock of the preparation, expressed his satisfaction and advised Kamal Das and Dr. Sunil Baruah to uplift the standard of the ground and the pitch so that a good match could be played in this venue. He also hoped that, along with the pitch and outfield other facilities would also be satisfactory for the match. 

Inter-Media Badminton Tournament ends 

In the finals of the Arabinda Buragohain Memorial Inter-Media Tournament held at Kanaklata Indoor Stadium in the city, Khabar emerged as the champions, while Ritu Raj

Konwar, of The Assam Tribune has lifted the individual crown. Sources informed that, Khabar has overcome the challenge of the Janambhumi by a 2-1 margin. Rituraj of Assam Tribune retained the individual crown beating Diganta Buragohain of the Janambhumi by 7-2 and 7-1, while Diganta beat Dadu Taid and Khabar restored parity by outplaying Paramanda Mech.

However, in the doubles match, the combination of Dadu and Gunjan defeated the pair of Diganta and Paramanada in an intense three-game battle, informed the sources. At the closing function, the Sports organisers, journalist and ASJA president gave away the prizes to the winners.

Mr. Saraighat contest on Mar. 17

The Vinay Cement Mr. Sariaghat title would be held at District Library auditorium, on February 17. Sources informed that, this is the 13th RG Baruah memorial open body-building competition to be held in the city. The competition has been organised by NSCA under the auspices of Assam Body-builders Association and would be sponsored by Vinay Cement Limited. A prize-money of Rs. 20,000 along with the trophy would be given to the winner of the Mr. Saraighat title, while the runners up will receive Rs. 10,000 each, said the organisers. The competition is however, going to be held in four height categories - short class, medium class, tall class and super tall class. 

Assam's Women shine

In the inaugural match of the Women's National Football Championship held at Malda, from February 20, the Assam women trounced Rajasthan by 7-0. Sources informed that, during the first half of the match, Assam dominated over her rival by 4-0.

Anjana Pegu, the left striker of Assam scored four goals with a hattrick, and the other goals were scored by Pratima Gogoi, Minakshi Borgohain and Manjila Mimolia.

Girish Goswami Memorial Inter-bank Cricket - RBI wins opening tie

The 15th Girish Goswami Memorial Inter-bank Cricket tournament began on February 20, at the Latashil playground in the city. Sources informed that, in the opening match of the tournament, Reserve Bank of India outplayed the UCO bank by three runs. RBI scored a moderate total of 121 runs in 20 overs. They however, restricted their opponents to 118, as they were opted to bat first.

The tournament was organised by the UCO Bank Staff Club, Guwahati, and was inaugurated by veteran sports-person Pulin Das. Rakesh Ghosh, the assistant general manager of UCO Bank and Abdul Latif the former international footballer were also present as distinguished guests.

Aji, Sadin enters final in Inter-media Cricket

In the 4th GPC Challenge Inter-Media Cricket Championship organised by the Guwahati Press Club, Aji and Sadin entered into the finals of the tournament. Sources informed that, the team Aji had outplayed the GL Publications while Sadin trounced Doordarshan Kendra, Guwahati. In the two semi-final matches, Aji defeated three year's champions GL Publications by a huge margin of nine wickets. The champions made 100 runs in 21.3 overs, while Aji notched up to 104 runs in just 12.4 overs losing only one wicket. On the other hand, Sadin earned a seven wicket victory over Doordarshan Kendra (DDK). However, in reply to DDK's 119 for nine in 25 overs, Sadin piled up 120 for three in 17.1

overs.

Quarter finals between Doordarshan and Aji (Media Cricket)

Doordarshan Kendra and Aji enters into the quarter finals in the 4th GPC Challenge Inter-Media Cricket Championship organised by the Guwahati Press Club. Sources informed that, Doordarshan outplayed Photo Journalists XI by nine wickets, while Aji trounced Out Station by seven wickets to enter into the quarters. Both the matches were quite one-sided affair, as Doordarshan and Aji had no difficulties in defeating their opponents, and the batsmen of Outstation and Photo Journalists also had no answer to the tight bowling of their opponents.

The Telegraph will take on Guwahati Press Club XI, while Advertisement Agencies XI would face Agradoot, on February 14, said the organisers. 

NEEDS day/night cricket from Feb. 22

A 9th day and night cricket tournament would be held at the Latashil playground from February 22, organised by North Eastern Enterpreneurship Development Society (NEEDS). Several teams of the region has been invited to the tournament, which would be played under meta high light for the first time. The invited teams were however, requested to contact the organizers for confirmation of their participation at Latashil Masjid Complex before February 18, said the sources. An organizing committee has also been formed with Kumar Sanjay Krishna as chairman, AK Absar Hazarika as working chairman, Manoj Choudhury as general secretary and Manu Bora as finance secretary.

Aji, GL Publications enters semi-final in Inter-media Cricket

In the on going Inter-Media Cricket Tournament held at Latashil playground, Aji and GL Publications cruised into the last-four stage of the match, that is, the semi-finals of the tournament. Sources informed that, Aji had outplayed Sentinel by six wickets, while GL Publications got better of Telegraph by seven wickets, to enter into the semis. However, both the matches were two one-sided matches.

The score of the tournament was as following :

Sentinel scored 113 runs very near to 117 runs made by the wining team, Aji, while, Telegraph scored 97 runs and failed by one run from the GLP, that achieved 98 runs.

GCCC win over River Rine and lift Challenge Trophy

In the finals of the Guwahati Challenge Trophy Cricket Tournaent, held at the Latashil play ground, on February 11, the Guwahati Cricket Coaching Centre (GCCC) has recorded a facile seven-wicket victory over River Rine Club. The River Rine boys, though elected to bat first, failed to take advantage of the fine batting track and managed to score a low total of 135 in 29 overs. Gautam Kalita of River Rine was however, adjudged man-of-the-tournament, while, Nishanta Bordoloi received the man-of-the final awards. Rafel Ahmed another player of River Rine and Rajib Kalita of New Star were presented the best bowler and batsman awards, respectively.

The winners were however, given the Nilimoy Choudhury memorial trophy and a cash of Rs. 10,000, while the runners-up team were presented a cash award of Rs. 5,000. The organisers, River Rine Club, felicitated Zakaria Zuffri, Khanin Saikia and Rana Sarma in the closing function, reported the sources. 

Elvis Hazarika bags four golds

In the recently concluded North East Sports Festival at Agartala, the Ace swimmer, Elvis Ali Hazarika set the pool ablaze, informed the sources. He won four gold medals for Assam in 50m free style, 100m free style, 100m butterfly stroke with record timings. However, he emerged as the individual champion in the swimming competition in the meet.

 

Parag, Zakaria, Sukhvinder in East Zone squad

In the first Deodhar Trophy tie to be held on February 20, Bengal captain, Rohan Gavaskar would lead the East Zone against North Zone. The 15-member squad would include five players from Bengal and four from Orissa. Two wicket keepers - Deep Dasgupta and Zakaria Zuffri - have been selected in the squad. However, in case Dasgupta gets a call-up to the national team for the Test series against Zimbabwe, the Assam player will do duty behind the wickets, said the sources.

The team thus includes - Rohan Gavaskar (capt.), Devang Gandhi, Deep Dasgupta, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Utpal Chatterjee (BENGAL), Sanjay Raul, Prabhanjan Mallick, Debashish Mohanty, Rashmi Ranjan Parida (ORISSA) Parag Das, Zakaria Zuffri, Sukhwinder Singh (ASSAM), Sumit Panda, Mihir Diwakar (BIHAR), Timir Chanda (TRIPURA). 

NE Sports Fest inaugurated 

The Tripura Governor Lt. Gen (retd) KM Seth, has inaugurated the 16th North-Eastern Sports Festival at the Dasharath Deb Sports Complex, in Tripura, on February 7. Players from different places of North East will take part in the nine events including football, athletics, gymnastics, weight lifting, khokho and kabadi. Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya and host Tripura are participating in the four-day festival, said the sources.

North East Sports festival to be held in Agartala from Feb. 7 

The four-day 16th North East Sports Festival will be conducted from February 7, in Agartala, at Dasarath Dev Sports Complex. Uma Bharati, the Union Sports Minister, Saurav Ganguly, the Indian Cricket Captain, Assam Sports Minister, Gautam Roy, and DG Sports Authority of India, Sekhar Datta, would also attend the opening ceremony of the festival. Sources informed that, the stage is being set for the festival, and Army has also been stepped up to turn the function into a spectacular event.

The defence ministry has decided to send paratroopers to exhibit their extraordinary air manoevres on the day and four para commandos would come from Bangalore and jump on the Dasarath Dev Sports Complex from high flying choppers.

Arjun awardee Kalpana Debnath, English Channel swimmer Ganesh Naha, Chaitali Debbarma, and young gymnast of international repute Diptanu Banik would be among the torch bearers. The torch will be however, brought from Udaipur Tripureswari temple.

It is to be mentioned that, the first North East Sports festival was held at Imphal. Earlier in 1992 and 1995 the festival was held in Agartala. This is however, the third time the festival is being organised in Tripura.

Lack of infrastructure fails to produce quality sportspersons 

Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) president KPS Gill and secretary K. Jyotikumaran while addressing a press conference in the city said that, North-east is lagging behind in producing quality sportspersons due to lack of infrastructure. Gill said that, adequate investment in infrastructure development from the Centre as well as the state governments could only improve the future of Indian sports. Later, appreciating Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur's strides in developing Hockey, Gill said that, Assam too would forge ahead with the joint efforts of the Assam Hockey Association and the IHF. However, Gill also said that, the IHF is in full support of Assam's bid to host the next National Games.

Later talking about the annual general meeting of the Federation held in Guwahati, on January 29, Gill said that, four more state units has entered into the Federation, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Chattisgarh, taking the total number of units to 35. Gill said that, the main aim of the new executive committee was to take hockey into non-traditional areas as well as to revive the tradition that was dying.

However, it is to be mentioned that, KPS Gill has retained as president of Indian Hockey Federation, for the third time. K Jyotikumaran, has also been retained as the secretary of the IHF.

Challenge Trophy finals on Feb. 11 

The finals of the Guwahati Challenge Trophy cricket tournament will be played at the Latashil play ground in Guwahati, on February 11. The organisers of the championship, River Rine, will take on Guwahati Cricket Coaching Centre in the title clash which is scheduled to begin at 9 am, said the sources. 

Media Cricket in Guwahati from Feb. 12 

The match of the Guwahati Press Club organised by the Inter-media Cricket Tournament would be held from February 12, at the Latashil playground in the city. Sources informed that, in the opening match The Assam Tribune group would contest with the Sentinel group. The meet will however, be played in knock-out basis, and altogether ten teams would participate in the match. The participating teams include Assam Tribune - Sentinel, Khabar - Janambhumi, Aji - Out Station, Photo Journalists - Doordarshan, Telegraph- Press Cub, Advertising Agencies - Agradoot, GL Publications - Sadin.

New Chess magazine to be published 

A quarterly chess magazine would be published from March, decided the All Assam Chess Association, on February 6. And for the purpose, a four-member magazine sub-committee has been formed with Sudhir Nath as chief advisor, Dipak Ghatowar as editor, Bharot Ch Kakoty and M Pradip Kr Singh as members of the committee.

GTC defeats ASEB in Assam Club Football 

The Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) losses in the Assam Club Football championship contesting with the Guwahati Town Club (GTC). In the championship, the Guwahati Town Club became the proud winner defeating the Guwahati super division league mate ASEB. However, despite playing their hearts out the ASEB team failed to break the opponents defence.

North-east Open of Tennis tournament postponed 

The North East Open which was scheduled to be held from February 7 to 9, at the Tennis Club complex, has been postponed by the authorities of the Tennis Club, Silchar. This tournament of the All Assam Tennis Association will now be held from March 8 to 10. This State banking tournament will be played in different events such as - men's singles and doubles, ladies' singles and doubles and veterans' doubles. Sources informed that the last date for the participants to enter their name is March 6. The entries should however, be addressed to the Secretary of The Tennis Club, Silchar.

Kamrup Shree title to Pranab Das 

In the Kamrup district Body Building Championship held in Guwahati on January 27, organised by the Kamrup District Physical Culture Association, Pranab Das of Youth Athletic Club has won the 'Kamrup Shree' title, while Ambeshwar Das became 'Asom Kesari'. In the meet, altogether fifty-five body builders took part in different categories. However, the meet was also attended by different personalities, including social worker Jagat Prasad Baruah, former minister Biraj Kumar Sarma, Munin Bora, Bhabajyoti Goswami, Basanta Das, Ramen Das and Kushaljyoti Malakar.

Bhaben Dawka passed away

Bhaben Dawka, a renowned cricket player and former Assam cricket coach has breathed his last at a private nursing home in Tezpur, on January 27. Sources informed that, Dawka, who was associated with Assam Cricket Association and Tezpur District Sports Association, also represented undivided Darrang district team and Sonitpur district cricket team in the State-level tournaments. He was seventy-two years old at the time of his death, informed the sources. 

New BSA body constituted 

The Board of Sports of Assam (BSA) has been reconstituted by the State Government, on January 28. Sources informed that, the State Chief Minister, Sri Tarun Gogoi, has been nominated as the chairman of the Board, while the Sports Minister would be nominated as the vice-chairman. However, the members of the entire Board include - Principal secretary of finance, commissioner and secretary of sports, Bikash Baruah, Pradip Buragohain, Rana Goswami (Jorhat) and Kalyan Gogoi. The sports director has been nominated as the member secretary, informed the sources.

Ranji Trophy opened at Punjab 

During the opening day of the Ranji Trophy match at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium, the host team, Punjab swiped 130 runs for three in reply to Assam's first innings total of 170 all out, due to a fine spell of bowling by Ishan Malhotra, who returned with a haul of seven wickets for 59.

Punjab won the toss and elected to field, on the opening day. The visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals with the opener, Parag Das returning to the pavilion after eight runs caught behind by Pankaj Dharmani off Malhotra. The second batsman, Dinesh Mohanta also returned without making any runs. However, Zakaria Zuffri was said to be the top scorer with 44 runs claimed by him. Punjab started their innings with Ravneet Rickey (46) and Munish Sharma (40) adding 64 runs for the opening wicket, said the sources.

Kasturi Verma - double crowned 

In the All Assam Junior Tennis Championship held at Zaloni Club in Duliajan, that has concluded, recently, Kasturi Verma of Guwahati has won double crown by winning both the girl's under 18 and under 14 titles. Kasturi took the U-18 title defeating Parna Das, of Guwahati by 6-4, 4-6, 6-0, while she won the U-14 title beating another Guwahati girl, Sibani Dutta, by 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the final. 

Tom Kharbudon, an ex-footballer expired

Tom Warris Kharbudon, a well known footballer of yesteryears, died at the Nazareth hospital in Shillong, on January 26. Sources informed that, he had represented Assam both in junior and senior level in Football Championships and played for Sporting Union in GSA league. He has also represented Guwahati in various inter district tournaments. However, he was only 58 years old during the time of his death.

Olympian and Padmashree Chuni Goswami inaugurates Commerce College playground 

The authority of the Gauhati Commerce College has prepared a much-needed playground for felicitating the sportspersons of the city in fulfilling their desire. A colourful function was organised for the inauguration of the playground, on January 23. The playground was inaugurated by Padmashree and Olympian Chuni Goswami, where a host of eminent sportspersons and organisers were also present. Goswami in his inaugural speech urged the youngsters to work hard to achieve their absolute success and goal, as said he, that there is no other alternative to hard work. His elocution speech, has however, enthralled the entire audience present in the function, the same way as he did with his foot-balling prowess during his playing days.

It is to be mentioned that, to turn a marshy land into a playground is a tough job, but, this was proved by a team of hard workers, led by Umesh Chandra Sarma, Principal of the College, that, hard work only can bring success in life. Sources later informed that, the team has put maximum and utmost effort in forming the playground of the college.

The inaugural function was also attended by the founder principal of the college, Bhagaban Lahkar, former minister Biraj Kumar Sarma, Phani Sharma, home secretary DN Saikia and Pulin Das, among others, said the sources.

Assam 5-wkt win over Tripura in U-14 cricket

Assam has recorded a five-wicket win over Tripura in the East Zone at the U-14 cricket match, that has ended at Agartala, on January 20. Sources informed that, Spinner Sekharjyoti Barman and Captain Sarupam Purukayastha played in a grand manner becoming the heroes of the match. They both showed really good performances in the match. Sekharjyoti had a match figure of 12 for 95, while Sarupam scored 119 in the first innings and 56 in the second knock. However, Sekharjyoti captured 25 wickets in four matches.

24th National Sub-Junior Soccer Championship

In the group-B quarter-final league matches of the 24th National Sub-Junior Soccer Championship at the JN Sports Complex in Shillong, West Bengal thrashed Tamil Nadu at 4-0, while, Manipur scraped Uttar Pradesh by a solitary goal. Sources informed that, Manipur's L Sana Jaoba Meitei struck the winner in the 17th minute. Though Manipur lost a gilt-edged opportunity when L Bisheshor Singh's penalty kick was brilliantly saved by

Uttar Pradesh's custodian Vivek Prakash Gupta. Sources said that, Abhishek Kumar of Uttar Pradesh also lost a chance when his solo effort from the centre circle was thwarted by opponent goalkeeper, L Mani Chandra Singh.

Assam-Meghalaya plays draw in 24th National Sub-Junior Football Championship

In the group-B quarter-final league matches of the 24th National Sub-Junior Football Championship held at the JN Complex in Shillong, Mizoram defeated the defending champions of Bihar at 4-1, while hosts Meghalaya drew 3-3 with Assam in group matches.

In the first part of the match, Meghalaya surged ahead, said the sources, following a Dominic Wahlang goal off a direct free kick in the fifth minute and the second goal scored by Bankitborlang Syiemlieh cheered the hosts. However, Assam's Sidhartha Thapa converted the penalty to make it 2-1, in the 22nd minute. The Meghalaya side also earned a penalty in the 42nd minute, making it 3-1.

However, after silencing the home crowd of Meghalaya, Assam too made a goal, as the Assam subsitute right winger, Borojit Jigdung shot from the right corner neatly putting the ball into the net, making it 3-2. Later, Robojit Jigdung restored parity by heading the ball right into the opponents net making it 3-3 in the 73rd minute, said the sources.

All Assam Junior Tennis begins in Duliajan

Under the auspices of Oil India Limited, the All Assam Junior Tennis Championship began at Zaloni Club courts in Duliajan, on January 21. Sources informed that, altogether 120 youngsters coming from various parts of the State, participated in the tournament. The tournament was inaugurated by Dibrugarh DC, Niraj Verma, amidst a colourful opening ceremony, while Bijoy Prasad Bhattacharya, resident chief Executive, OIL attended the function as the chief guest.

Bora, Deka Raja star attractions in All-India meet

In the ICICI Bank All-India Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament, the recently crowned junior national champions, Bahniman Bora and Krishna Deka Raja, along with French Junior International winner Anup Sridhar, will be the star attractions. Sources informed that, the tournament would be held from January 16, in Bangalore and it carries a total prize money of Rs. 1 lakh. It is a two-star tournament in the Badminton Association of India's annual calendar. This tournament is however, one of the selection tournaments for finalising the Indian junior team for the Dutch and German junior internationals to be held in March. 

Assam Cricket Association travel to Mohali for match

The Assam-Punjab Ranji Trophy pre quarter-final knock out match which was scheduled to be held here in Guwahati, has finally been alloted to Punjab. According, to the Indian cricket board (BCCI) intimation, Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) will host the match at Mohali from January 23, as it is senior to ACA. It is to be mentioned that, previously the BCCI has decided to hold the match in Guwahati, but, later it decided to allot it to Punjab. This is however, the first time both the teams are facing each other. Assam has to travel to Punjab for the match as it is the final verdict of BCCI.

Junior Tennis finals on Jan 12 

The finals of the U-14 title in the Vinay Cement-AITA mini/Junior tennis tournament will

be held at Guwahati, on January 12. Officials sources said that, Sumit P Gupta will cross sword against Avinab Sarma, in the finals. It is to be mentioned that, in the semi-finals, Sumit defeated Goser S Harika by 6-2, 6-2, while Avinab got the better of Karan Dhillon 2-6, 7-6, 6-3.

GCCC claimed Mangaldoi title 

In the All Assam Prize-money Cricket Tournament, held in Mangaldoi, on January 11, the Guwahati Cricket Coaching Centre (GCCC) defeated the City Cricket Coaching Centre by 3 wickets. It is to be mentioned that, the GCCC hammered up 213 runs for seven in 28.1 overs, while the City Coaching hammered 212 runs for seven in 30 overs. Mukut Kalita (GCCC) and Bhagirath Das (City Coaching) were judged as the man-of-the-match and series, respectively.

Assam boys shine

Assam Boys brought glory to Assam by winning three medals including two silver medals in the second IAMTF Muay Thai National Amateur Championship, held at Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bangalore recently.

Softy Bajaj and Sandeep Talukdar won silver medals, while one Biju Boro clinched a bronze medal for Assam. However, apart from these members, the Assam team comprised of Rama Kanta Ghosh, Gopal Das (coach) and Nandu Bajaj (manager). The championship was organised by Muay Thai India, under the auspices of International Amateur Muay Thai Federation of Thailand.

Assam will take on Punjab in Ranji Trophy

Punjab and Assam will play in the knock-out match of Ranji trophy, that is to be played in Guwahati, from January 23. It is to be mentioned that, Assam has qualified for the knock-out stage by securing five points from their match against Tripura which ended in a draw. Sources informed that, due to some tight bowling from Assam's bowlers, Tripura who resumed their innings from the overnight score of 80/1 could score 208 more runs, losing five more wicket in the process in the last days of the match.

Parag Das and Gokulkrishnan were the most successful bowlers from Assam, with two wickets each. Abdul Sattar was the highest scorer in Tripura innings. Orissa and Bengal are the other teams to be qualified for the knock-out round of the Ranji from the East Zone, informed the official sources.

Brawn Man - Mahadev Deka 

It's around seven in the morning. He is a picture of concentration as he pumps iron like a duck would take to water. Perspiration drips from his brow, as he put himself through the mill. To say that his muscles are rippling would be an understatement. That's Mahadev Deka, one of Assam's most-sought-after body builder, a soul who has earned fame and recognition all across the country.

It may sound touch staggering, that Mahadev actually took up body building fairly late in his career. Mahadev studied civil engineering in A.E.C and, it was during his stay in the engineering hostel he really started working out. "It may sound slightly queer that I took up body building pretty late in my career. Initially what was sort of a recreation more a way of keeping fit turned into a passion for me. Gradually I developed more interest for this sport and started taking part in various competitions."

Born on February 1, 1969 at Fatashil Ambari, Mahadev's first big performance came at the 'Mr. India' Championship held at Pune in 1993. Mahabir put up a sterling show to grab the runners up trophy and that, effort served as a shot in the arm for Mahadev, "No doubt that performance made me believe in myself. I realised that I had it in me to compete with the big guns of India body building", Mahadev says with lot of candour.

Slowly as he graduated through the ranks, winning titles became a cinch thing for Mahadev. He won the high-profile 'Mr. North-east' title held at Sibsagar in 1993 and, in the same year he also bagged the 'Mr. Rhino' title held at Jorhat.

After a spate of wins in regional tourneys, Mahadev took for Simla to take part in the All India Prize Money Body Building Championship. His performance wasn't anything to write home about, but there were lessons learned from that meet, "rubbing shoulders with some of the big names of Indian body building was an enriching experience. It made me mentally more tougher for the future although I failed to dish out a good show at Simla", Mahadev reminisces.

The experience of playing at Simla came in handy for Mahadev, as he finished third in the Junior 'Mr. India' competition held at Chandigarh, in 1996.

By now Mahadev was a known figure in the Assam body building fraternity. When queried whether brawns and brains go hand in hand in body-building, Mahadev pauses and chuckles and gropes for an answer, "I can't believe this could be true. I myself did in B.E in Civil Engineering and also at the same time pursuing this sport seriously. So on that account I cannot believe that simple taking part up in a sport like Body-building can hamper one's academics. The only thing one needs to take care of is proper nutrition, proper guidance and fixed routine for practicing."

About the shortcomings aspiring body-flexers face in this neck of the woods, Mahadev reckons proper food supply and lack of instruments are some of the major impediments faced by our youngsters. Once this is sorted out we will a big pool of quality body-builders rather then a handful of them."

Mahadev who idolises Prem Chand Dogra as his role-model, voiced his satisfaction with the way young guns are coming up, "Among the present lot Bijit Gogoi has a great shape and then we have Hiranya Das, Gautam Kalita, Deepak Sangmai and Devajit Gogoi who all have it in them to make it big on the international stage provided they pursue this sport with diligence and dedication."

Mahadev, who is presently employed with the State public health Department, trains up youngsters at the city's 'body image' gymnasium. On the personal front, Mahadev is busy bracing up for the forthcoming eastern India meet to be held at Imphal and also for the 'Mr. India' contest scheduled to be held at Kolkata in March next year. May he reap a rich harvest there as well.

Suhrid Barua

Boxing Championship at Golaghat

Golaghat played host to the East Zone Boxing Championship from November 1 to 5. The Championship was conducted by the Golaghat district Boxing Championships under the auspices of Assam Amateur Boxing Association (AABA). Over 150 pugilists from Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh (Special invitees), Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and hosts Assam took part in the five-day Championship.

Assam fared well to bag the men's team title while, Manipur finished second, but if one

talk of individual performances, special mention must be made of the Manipuri pugilists. Manipur's S. Ningthousingh took on Assam's Pranjit Dutta. Pranjit, a local lad from Golaghat who looked impressive enroute to the final, came a cropper against the onslaught of Ningthousingh. The first two rounds was bereft of much action but it really hotted up in the third and fourth round, as Ningthousingh unleashed a flurry of potent right crosses and jabs to rattle his opponent. Such was his dominance that the verdict was a foregone conclusion much before it was announced by the jury.

On the distaffs side, L D Rebika Chiru put up a sterling show against Assam's Pranamika Bora. The Manipuri lass, a silver medal winner in the inaugural National Women's Boxing Meet held at Chennai earlier this year, was no match for Pranamika. It was a strange bout, where Rebika hold sway throughout, but a rare right cross from Pranamika saw Rebika bleeding profusely. That even prompted several holds up in play with referee Sam Daniels, helping her wiping off the pouring blood from her face. The bout once again reiterated the fighting spirit the Manipuris are known to possess. Probably the pugilists of the north-east states could learn a lesson or two from them if one may not sound exaggerating.

The bout which got the rip-roaring Golaghat crowd on their feet was the one between Assam's Chanakya Gogoi and Manipur's Golchand Singh. Chanakya, a lad from Moran with lot of promise, was at his devastating best, as he laid into his opponent launching books and jabs at will. It may be mentioned that, Chanakya recently represented India in the Bradenburg Cup in Germany, and it was no doubt that he was the head and shoulder above Golchand. Initially, Golchand went neck and neck but as the bout wore on Chanakya, he got his bearings right and Golchand ran out of steam as the referee stopped the contest in the third round.

Another talented lady pugilist, Ranee Charavary, also put up a solid display to win the title in her weight category. Ranee, a lass from Jorhat, took on Rijumoni Pator of Meghalaya, and it was a pretty nip and tack until the final round as Ranee fired all cylinders to unsettle her opponent and forced the issue in her favour.

Results :  

Men's light fly weight-winner - G. Rama Rao (Andhra Pradesh)

Runner's up - S. Thoiba Meitei (Nagaland)

Women's pin weight final- winner - Roshni Bhushal (Meghalaya)

Runner's up - Kumkum Gogoi (Assam)

Men's bantam weight final- winner - A. K. Burman (Bengal)

Runner's up - Rajesh Singh (Manipur)

Women's bantam weight final- winner - Latarani Devi (Manipur)

Runner's up - Payal Subba (Assam)

Men's feather weight final- winner - C. M. Bhaskar Swami (Andhra Pradesh)

Runner's up - L. Ramen Metei (Nagaland)

Men's light weight final- winner - MH Huda (Bengal)

Runner's up - L. Gunachandra Singh (Manipur)

Women's light fly weight final- winner - Ranee Verma Charavary (Assam)

Runner's up - Rijumoni Pator (Meghalaya)

Men's light welter weight final- winner - S. Ningthousingh (Manipur)

Runner's up - Pranjit Dutta (Assam)

Women's feather weight final- winner - Sandhya Rani Devi (Manipur)

Runner's up - Kabita Changmai (Assam)

Men's light welter weight final- winner - Chanakya Gogoi (Assam)

Runner's up - Golchand Singh (Manipur)

Women's light weight final- winner - Sarita Rai (Meghalaya)

Runner's up - Umar Rai (Assam)

Men's light middle weight final- winner - Jadu Bora (Assam)

Runner's up - Pankaj Buragohain (Nagaland)

Women's light welter weight final- winner - L. D. Rebika Chiru (Manipur)

Runner's up - Pranamika Bora (Assam) 

ACA voting drama - A huge embarrassment 

Such a farce can only happen in Assam Cricket. Let there be no doubt that ACA is a divided house, or else how can one explain the hellish episode of two top ACA officials air-dashing to Chennai to cast the precious ACA vote for the much-hyped BCCI Presidential elections at the Annual General Meting. The only silver lining is that, one official keeping Assam's stock in mind, chose to relent and let the other cast the vote.

It was common knowledge that ACA official, Nandan Bezbaruah, took off for Delhi to attend a diplomatic dinner hosted by earlier incumbent, A.C Muthiah. Mind you diplomatic dinners of course were in full swing in both the Muthiah and Dalmiya cliques as a way of assessing each other's strength in the run up to the elections. So it was on expected lines that Bezbaruah would cast the Assam vote in favour of A.C.Muthiah as, he has been authorised by ACA to cast the vote for Muthiah for the simple reason that Assam has lots to gain financially. The Modi group had vowed to proffer a sum Rs. 15 lakhs as sponsorship money for Assam Cricket if the Assam vote went to Muthiah. The vote-face by the ACA has not only unseated Muthiah from the most plum post in Indian Cricket, but also robbed us financially. Afterall, Assam Cricket strugglers to find sponsors here and now with the Assam Cricket Academy coming up, they could have utilised that money for upgrading the Academy's infrastructure, as well for other ACA activities.

But former Assam Chief Minister and ACA President, Prafulla Mahanta, had other ideas. He chose to spike Muthiah as well as ACA's guns by casting the Assam vote in favour of Dalmiya, which did had an immediate impact with Assam Ranji coach, Kamal Das, getting a berth in the national Junior Selection Committees. It may be mentioned that Dalmiya is known to be favourably disposed towards Mahanta. In normal course of events, both Bezbaruah and Mahanta could have sit across the table and broach the whole thing instead of creating such an embarrassing situation. Not only for themselves as well as for the entire Assam Cricket Fraternity.

Mind that, Mahanta despite being ACA President, has little knowledge of the game. The trend of Chief Minister and political heavyweights grabbing the plum post in ACA, started long time back and it doesn't seem to end in the near future.

What needs to be looked at is, to why Mahanta at the eleventh hour chose to go to Chennai, to cast the ACA vote. He was oblivious of the fact that Bezbaruah was in Chennai well in advance readying himself to vote for Muthiah. Obviously Mahanta, being a close aid of Dalmiya, had his own personal interests to carry out such a daft act. As mentioned in one of the leading national dailies, it would not be a surprise if Mahanta is offered Vice-President post from the East. Though constitutionally its not possible. It was a huge embarrassment for Assam Cricket Fraternity to see both the ACA President and the General Secretary, having their own predilections for both Dalmiya and Muthiah. It is not that, Mahanta and Bezbaruah are at daggers drawn with each other. They are thick pals who have a good understanding but, this latest incident, as one of them may like to call it a "communication gap" has surely strained their personal rapport.

Just as Bezbaruah convened a press meet to clear the air, Mahanta did the same couple of days later mentioning that it was only a communication gap and he did informed Bezbaruah, that he was going to Chennai, which Bezbaruah has vehemently refuted. Adding a further twist to the sordid episode is the claim made by Mahanta, that he had deputized sports Minister Gautam Roy, to cast the vote for ACA. So three souls in the fray to cast a vote for Assam. Can things get any more ludicrous than this? Obviously not, I suppose.

Assam Cricket Fraternity, which for yonks have been known for their lack of eloquent speakers, souls who often fumble at board meeting has and can't force decisions in their favour, added another feather to their cap (Negative wise) by this hideous episode.

We talk of the need to improve Cricket in Assam, but what about the inefficient officials. Often we found non-players having no connection or knowledge of sports or those who are in the good books of politicians or big-wheel officials going on to occupy the plum posts in sports Associations. The genuine dedicated sports organisers are invariably sidelined and given a cold shoulder. Their fault is that, they don't know how to ponder and flatter the high and mighty of the political field. Its a shame that such a scene is prevailing here.

Its time we act dispense with dissensions in Associations and stand united. Mere Rhetoric's and Lobbyism will do no good to development of sports. This is the time to stand up and be counted on the organisational front and avoid factions within Associations which can be deleterious to Assam sports in the long run.

Suhrid Barua

49th Nurul Hussain All Assam Inter-District Senior Men's Hockey Championship 2001- Cops sees off Oilmen 

The crowd had gathered in droves to catch a glimpse of a game that does not get

enough patronization from the public. Tell this to any soul of Nagaon or Samaguri, I am sure, they would counter this to the hilt. The venue-Samaguri Higher Secondary School ground, playing host to the Nurul Hussain 49th All Assam Inter-District Senior Men's Hockey Championships. If the crowd response throughout this five-day meet is anything to go by, then Hockey is surely heading for better days ahead. Altogether 16 teams slugged it out. In the end Assam police, Golaghat, Oil, Duliajan and Nagaon made it to the last four stage.

Assam Police put it across Golaghat 4-2 in a pulsating tussle. In a match which could have gone either way, it was Assam Police who seized the opportunities that came their way. Golaghat played well in patches but that was not just good enough to dispose off the cops. The cops locked a fitter lot and not only that, they had more fire-power in its ranks, which in the end proved decisive.

The other semi-final between Oil, Duliajan and Nagaon panned out to be a real cracker. The match held at Kawaimari H.S. School ground, the other venue use for this meet; saw a huge turnout. The big crowd in the vicinity of nine to ten thousand got their money's worth in a real humdinger of a game, which perhaps soared the expectations of the fans, in the run up to the final. Oil's 1-0 triumph over Nagaon, may have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many fans, who were egging on the Nagaon outfit; the so-called local outfit as it is just a 20 minutes drive from Nagaon.

So the final between Assam Police and Oil, Duliajan turned out to be a lopsided affair with the cops sailing through 2-0. The winners earned 8 penalty corners in the first half and one more in the second half, a fair reflection of which team enjoyed the early exchanges. Oil side failed to earn a single short corner in the first half.

Though oil did earn a penalty corner in the second half, performance-wise it was a poor show by the Oilmen. What really spelt the doomsday for the oil side was their inability to feed their strikers with enough through balls. Whenever, a oil move looked promising; it was spoilt by rising balls on display. The cops drew first blood in the first half; 32nd minute to be precise through a craftily score goal by Nirmal Singh. The cops enhanced the lead in the 48th minute of play through Uttam Singh. It may be mentioned here that, Uttam Singh was the tournament's second highest goal scorer with 8 goals behind teammate, Zela Leshai, who had scored 9 goals going into the final and with the issue-clinching goal for the winners; Uttam finished joint-top scorer with Zela Leshai with 9 goals.

The local MLA from Samaguri, Rekibuddin Ahmed, deserves a pat on the back for holding the meet in such a grand manner. A.H.A. president, Keshab Mahanta and A.H.A. secretary, Tapan Das, also did their bit in ensuring a smooth conduct of the meet. I.H.F. president and supercop, Kanwar Pal Singh, was to have attended the final match but failed to make it owing to pressing commitments. A.H.A. general secretary, Tapan Das later told vedanti.com that, he was cock-a-hoop over the crowd participation in the meet. " I feel extremely happy that our attempts to revive this game has not gone to waste. The crowd's involvement indicates that hockey can be a crowd-puller only if more youngsters take up hockey as a sport rather than opting for clam sports like cricket, Tennis etc.

Tapan continues, " actually we had a hard time arranging the funds for this meet. We have proffered quality food and accommodation to players and officials and in the end I feel nobody should have any reason to bemoan".

Abdul Jabbar, the technical director and chief referee felt that hockey can grow only if there is a bigger pool of players. Here if we have a big pool of players to choose from,

then I reckon more quality players would emerge", Jabbar spoke with a lot of candor.

During a chance one on one with Das, he did inform vedanti.com that, a new structure would be laid in Nagaon in a short period of time. Das explained that I.H.F. had already sent the proposal to the union sports ministry. "Miss Uma Bharati, has promised us to lay a Astroturf in Nagaon after the Afro-Asia Games. Now that these games are mixed, it may take a bit longer for this to come about".

At the closing function six Assam players who had represented the N.E. India Junior Team in Spain and Australia, were felicitated. The six include- Gopal Bora, Ratul Ansary, Balan Rabha, Roja Singh, Jayanta Hazarika and Hiren Gogoi. One of the six- Balan Rabha even turned out for the Junior Indian Team in the recently held Indo-Malayasia Test series in our own backyard.

The winners, Assam Police received the Som Dutt Trophy, donated by Hazarika brothers, Guwahati. A souvenir was also brought out on the occasion. In all the 49th edition of this meet was a howling success and could serve as a springboard for the resuscitation of Hockey in this neck of the woods.

Suhrid Barua

 

Bhogeswar Baruah and Assam's sports future 

Who would have ever imagined that a boy from Joysagar village of Asam, Sri Bhogeswar Baruah, would go on to bag the Arjuna Award in 1996? He also clinched a Gold Medal in 800 metre in the 5th Asian Games in Bangkok in 1996. He made a new record of running 800 m in 1.49.4 minute by breaking earlier record of 1.51.2 (of Mori Moto, Japan). Today, this 'small boy' has become a 'big gun' in the State in particular and the entire region in general. The State has been celebrating his birthday, on every September 3, as the "Sports Abiruchi Day" since 1983. He is a good speaker in Bengali, Hindi, Telugu, Punjabi and Marathi. In a word, he brought laurels to the State so far.

Sri Baruah was born on September 3, 1973 in a 'big family' of Late Bhadreswar Baruah (father) and Late Aikon Baruah (mother). Late Biruram Baruah was his grand father. He has two elder brothers and one younger brother. They are Sri Suresh Chandra Baruah, Sri Tulsi Narayan Baruah and Late Purnanda Baruah respectively. He has four sisters too. They are Late Sabitri Baruah, Smt Pheseri Bharali, Smt Debeshwari Gogoi and Late Somitra Gogoi.

Smt Renu Baruah is his wife. They have three children --- Smt Banti Baruah, a graduate from Handique Girls' College, Guwahati; Sri Mohan Madhab Baruah, businessman and Sri Debjyoti Baruah, a HS student.

His father, Late Bhadreshwar Baruah was the first 'chowkidar' , a fourth grade employee, State Archaeological department at Joysagar. Initially, he used to draw Rs. 11 per month only, as the monthly salary from the department. He was an ideal cultivator too. That is, their family was not a cash rich family.

There was no school at Joysagar during his school days. Then the Second World War was just over. All children of Joysagar village had to go to Sibsagar for schooling by passing through deep jungles and forest where wild animals like tigers and beers use to roam. If there was a report that some tigers were roaming in the particular area, the children did not go to the school that day. That was a no school day for them. So, small children, unlike as in present day, are not allowed to go school at an early age; rather they used

to go to school at a higher age.

That is, Bhogeswar Baruah took admission at the Meleka Primary School, Sibasagar in 1945. At that time he became an older boy.

Late Bharali teacher was his Headmaster. His classmates were Mr Hariram Handique, a retired engineer of PWD, Mr Lakhi Baruah, a retired defence personnel, Mr Bhuban Dutta, a retired teacher and Mr Ananda Dutta.

Having passed from primary school, Mr Baruah got admitted at the Town High School, Sibsagar. His formal practice of different games and sports like soccer were started there. Late Borthakur was his Headmaster. Some of his classmates were Late Gopal Dutta, Late Khagen Gogoi, Mr Sarbeswar Gogoi and Mr Nabin Dutta. He could study only upto 10th standard as he joined the defence forces then.

The Second World War left a far-reaching impact on the life of Mr Baruah. Mr. Tulashi Baruah, one of his brother, was a soldier with the American Army. Tulashi's hands were a severely injured in an accident. The Army men used to shift camps frequently. They shifted their camps from Joysagar to Garampany, Golaghat etc. The American troops were campaigning near their residence. They used to fish at the Joysagar lake. They were hardworking, dedicated and kind enough for their village as they were guarding the area. Mr. Baruah learnt many lessons from them.

Mr. Baruah has an interesting story with an American Army man. One evening, the Army man came to the house of Mr. Baruah and requested him to accompany to the deep jungle as the former wanted to go for hunting. Mr. Baruah agreed and went the nearest forest.

It was full moon night. The hunter was proceeding towards deeper forests in search of tigers or bears. Mr. Baruah was following him. After walking a few kilometre, they saw two tiger-kids were playing nearby a big tree. They reached the spot. Then the hunter broke the legs of tiger-kids in a hurry. The kids died. The hunter and Mr. Baruah climbed up the big tree. The hunter bound Mr. Baruah to a branch of the tree with a 'gamocha'. Then they were waiting for the arrival of tigress at the site.

The tigress was seen at a far distance place. She was coming with a dead cow, which was probably killed by her. She could realise that something was going wrong with her. She dropped the dead cow and rushed to the big tree. She roared for long. Then the hunter aimed his gun at the forehead of the tigress. He pushed the trigger of the gun and the single bullet hit her forehead, she fell down and died. Afterwards they returned home.

There is another story of tiger with Mr. Baruah during the Second World War period. One day he and his father were returning home from Sibsagar. On the way, they saw two tiger-kids were playing with their mother's tail. The mother was shifting the position of the tail in every time when the kids touched the tail. Mr. Baruah and his father was enjoying the game with much interest from a bush nearby. The tigress could get scent of their presence and finally saw them, rushed them upto the Joysagar lake. The father and the boy jumped into the lake and crossed about 100 metre without erecting their heads beyond water level. They could manage to save themselves in that way as the tigress had to go back for her kids. Otherwise, they might have been attacked by the tigress.

In a sense, Mr. Baruah learnt many lessons on self-confidence and brevity from the American soldiers who were camping at Joysagar village during the Second World War. In course of time, the lessons helped him in his sports career.

Football was a popular game in those days. So, he used to participate local soccer tournaments. He used to play as a back defender. Moreover, he was expert in swimming. It was a self-learnt game for him. He learnt swimming in the 4 KM square Joysagar Tank. This game was, however, not popular in those days. He had not got any facilities for improving his expertise in this game. Unfortunately he was even not invited in the Sibsagar district level games.

The golden days came when he joined the Indian Armed forces Services in the Electrical Mechanical Engineering (ME) Division. He was posted the No. 1 EME Centre in Secunderabad in 1962. He and his team clinched the Duran Gold Cup in Mumbai in the same year. They beat Mohan Bagan by two goals to zero.

However, he left soccer career in 1962. Under the coach Mr. Nombiyor, he was imparted athletic training in 1963. In the same year, he was conferred the Gold Medal in 4X400 metre Relay in the All India Open Meet. It was his first gold medal at the national level. His teammates from the EME were Jogen Singh (Rajasthan), Dayal Singh (Punjab) and Daljit Singh from Sikh Regiment (Punjab).

In 1964, he secured the second position in 400 metre race at the national sports event individually. Makhan Singh (Punjab), from the Defence Artillery Science Department, secured the first rank and Ajmir Singh, a lecturer in a Chandigarh-based college secured the third position.

The great moment poured in the sports career of Mr. Baruah when he had met his guru Dronacharya Babar Sahab in 1964. Babarji was inducted as the coach of the EME Centre; he was hailing from Hyderabad, State capital of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is a nearby city of Secunderabad.

First of all, Babarji proposed to bring him from 400 m to 800 m. Mr. Baruah hesitated to accept his proposal. So, the guru agreed to impart training in 400 m. However, the guru increased in the frequency of coaching. That is, the coach had tactfully imparted 800 m's training to Mr. Baruah. He was not aware of it. Mr. Baruah had to complete all the schedules. There was a great connection between the guru and his disciple. Looking at the face of Mr. Baruah, Babarji could tell truth whether the former had completed the schedules or not. Both the chain training schedule and hills training schedule should have been done by Mr. Baruah within a period of 2 to 21/2 hours. Again after having breakfast, handball, volleyball, basketball and other light games had to be played by them for 1 to 1 1/2 hour. Moreover, the guru used to increase the schedule to equip him for 800 m event in a phase manner.

In other words, Babarji brought Mr. Baruah from 400 m to 800 m. Following the constant care and inspiration of Babarji, Mr. Baruah lifted the Gold Medal in 800 m in the All India Inter-State National Meet in 1965 in Bangalore. It was a major breakthrough in his sports career. He also made a record in the event. Earlier, Daljit Singh had a record of completing 800 m in 1.50 minute while Mr. Baruah completed the same in 1.49 minute.

Sad to say, Assam did not participate in the All India Inter-State National Meet till 1970. So, Mr. Baruah had to participate the event by representing other States including Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and even Punjab. So, he lifted the first gold medal in 800 m by representing Rajasthan, Assam.

Mr. Baruah became the first man to lift gold medals in both 400 m and 800 m athletic events at the All India Open Meet in 1965, in Jaipur.

The great day came to life in 1966. He lifted the Gold Medal in 800 m run in the 5th Asian Games which was held in Bangkok. He broke earlier records too. He crossed 800 m

in 1.49.4 minute against the earlier record of Mori Moto of Japan who crossed 800 m in 1.51.2 minute. In the event, Mori Moto secured second rank and Mr. Nombiyor of Malayasia secured third position.

He was conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1966. He is the first Assamese to bag the award.

In 1968, he went on a tour to the erstwhile USSR. He participated All India Open Meet in the same year.

In 1972, he participated in the All India Open Meet, Madras. He secured the second position. His colleague-friend, Sriram Singh, representing Delhi Cant, Raj Rifle Centre became topper. They took training from the same guru Babarji.

Currently, the Arjun awardee of Assam is not happy as he could not make even a boy like him in the State. Lack of facilities and impediments of infrastructure obstruct his plan to prepare at least a boy for projecting to the national and international events.

He chalked out an ambitious plan to impart a few young boys and girls of the State, so that they can face national and international games with dedication, courage, confidence and brevity.