From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI: Assam’s first Arjuna awardee, Bhogeswar Baruah has alleged that he has been deprived of his due recognition for his contributions to sports, saying that authorities in the state “do not know how to honour achievers”.
Talking to media persons on the sidelines of the 35th Abhiruchi Sports Day here on Monday, incidentally a day to mark his birthday, Baruah who turned 78, said, “I recall those days when I had won the gold at the 1966 Asian Games but even after I came back home, no one knew for about a month that I had done something. Even the Olympic associations neglected my contributions.”
The former athlete, while acknowledging that times have changed now, urged authorities to take good care of sprinter Hima Das to prepare her for the Olympics in 2020. “I would request the government to have only a day for her felicitation after she arrives and thereafter let her focus on the job ahead,” he said. Hima had won one gold and two silver medals at the 18th Asian Games which concluded at Jakarta on Sunday.
The former champion also suggested that Hima’s current coaching staff should be brought to National Institute of Sports in Patiala where her grooming can start keeping in mind the larger goals ahead.
On Abhiruchi Sports Day, the legendary sportsperson said the sports day has helped inculcate the significance of physical fitness and sports among youngsters.Earlier, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who is also a taekwondo specialist, led the mass jogging from the Chandmari flyover at 6 am to the RG Baruah Sports Complex.
Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Singh said that the hidden talents in the rural areas have to be spotted and nurtured.
The sports day was celebrated here centrally along with over a 100 venues across Assam.
