New Delhi: In a recent announcement from the Assam Government, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated all the winners of the State Sports Award. The State Sports Award is an annual award ceremony to celebrate the contributions of the people of Assam under the ambit of sports. Originally, the day was the birth anniversary of the first Arjuna Awardee from North-East Bhogeswar Baruah. Subsequently, the day has been named Abhiruchi Sports Day after the popular sports magazine of the state Abhiruchi which originally initiated the current celebration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StIM46IPQJQ Who are the winners of the State Sports Award 2024? The recipients of the State Sports Award 2024 are: Bornil Akash Changmai- Badminton Player Krishna Das- Para Swimmer Abhishek B. Gogoi- Special Athlete in Cycling Rajib Dey- Physical Training Instructor at IIT Guwahati Kalyan Barman- Physical Instructor at Nalbari District Sports Office Anup Konwar- Weightlifting Coach at Sivasagar District Sports Office Uttam Handique- Athletics Coach at Tinsukia District Sports Office Who is Bhogeswar Baruah? Bhogeswar Baruah is an Indian former athlete and coach from Assam. Born in the small town of Sivasagar, Bhogeswar was the first recipient of the Arjuna Award from the northeast region of India. Moreover, the first Assamese to win a gold medal at an international event when he won a gold medal at the 800 m running event in the 1966 Asian Games. He was also the silver medalist in the 1970 Asian Games. Born on September 3rd 1940, Baruah's childhood was spent amidst a farming family and in abject poverty. Young Baruah enjoyed playing a wide range of sports during his formative years. However, it was football that caught the eyes of the youngster. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVys88z2QoE&list=RDNScVys88z2QoE&start_radio=1 Bhogeswar joined the Indian Defence Force in 1960. Subsequently, his footballing pursuits took a back seat and he took an active participation in the world of running. This newfound interest germinated more along the way as he won accolades both in the domestic and international circuits. Bhogeswar Baruah remains one of the few known athletes from the state of Assam, the other being Hima Das.
