GUWAHATI: At least 535 athletes from 32 states and union territories will participate in the 58th National Interstate Senior Athletics Championship, 2018 that will be held here from June 26 to June 29.
Ace javelin thrower Niraj Chopra will be the national brand ambassador while Assam’s Hima Das, will be the hosting ambassador in the championship, organised by the Athletic Federation of India, Pradip Nunisa, secretary of Assam Athletic Association, said.
“All the major national sports personalities will participate in the championship as the performance here, will seal the fate of these players to be able to represent the country in the international championships,” Nunisa told.
“The state organising committee has been formed with Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal as its chief patron, former cabinet minister Rockibul Hussain as its adviser and will be presided by the president of the Assam Athletics Association. Lakhya Konwar will be the secretary,” Nunisa, who is the organising secretary of the committee is, said.
The Assam Athletic Association has estimated a budget of Rs 73 lakh for organising and infrastructural development for the championship.
"We are getting all sorts of assistance from the state government," Nunisa added.
“The infrastructures are already in place. Just these needs some minor maintenance and repair works which will be enough. For the lodging of the players, we have allocated the LNIPE at Sonapur and the Administrative Staff quarters for the players. These besides, we have also identified at least three-star hotels for the accommodation of the players,” Nunisa added.
The Four-day championship, one of the most coveted athletic events in the country was earlier decided to be held at Kolkata and then, shifted to Guwahati.
Nunisa, commenting on the shift, said, “I don’t really know why the venue was shifted from Kolkata, but Assam did not ask the AFI to hold but was rather offered by the Association to hold the championship,” Nunisa said.
According to him, Lalit Bhanot, chairperson of the Planning committee of the AFI had called him up and asked if Assam will be able to hold the event here.
