In a major push for sports development in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday inaugurated an indoor stadium and laid the foundation for a swimming pool in the Sarupathar assembly constituency. This region, known for producing prominent athletes like Lovlina Borgohain and Nayanmoni Saikia, has now become a focal point for sports infrastructure in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the significant strides made in creating a strong sports ecosystem in Sarupathar. “Sarupathar is now equipped with world-class sports infrastructure, which will serve as a training ground for budding athletes. This is a key step in nurturing the next generation of national and international champions,” he said.
The indoor stadium, built with an investment of Rs 2 crore, features two synthetic badminton courts and two table tennis courts, offering ample facilities for training and competitions. Additionally, the foundation stone for a new swimming pool was laid, with an allocated budget of Rs 75 lakh funded through the CSR initiatives of Numaligarh Refinery.
Sarma also updated the crowd on the progress of the Lovlina Borgohain Sports Complex, a major project underway in Sarupathar. Once completed, the complex will further elevate the region’s standing as a hub for sports excellence, offering state-of-the-art facilities to young athletes.
“The creation of these sports facilities is a testament to our commitment to youth development. Sarupathar has the potential to produce more athletes like Lovlina Borgohain and Nayanmoni Saikia, and we aim to provide them with the resources they need to succeed,” Sarma remarked.
The Chief Minister also called upon the local legislator to inspire more people to get involved in the sports movement in the region. He emphasized that sports should be part of the cultural fabric, encouraging parents to foster a love for physical activity in their children.
“Sports are not just about competition but also about discipline, focus, and teamwork. It helps develop both physical and mental strength, which is essential not only for a successful sports career but also for joining prestigious institutions like the defense forces,” he said.
In addition to his focus on sports, Sarma also inaugurated the 100-bedded Sarupathar Co-District Civil Hospital and an oxygen plant funded by Numaligarh Refinery’s CSR initiatives. The hospital, built with an investment of Rs 15 crore, offers a range of modern healthcare services, including nine outpatient departments, an operation theatre, emergency ward, and specialized care for newborns and children.
The oxygen plant will play a crucial role in ensuring that the hospital can provide critical care during medical emergencies, further improving healthcare access for the people of Sarupathar.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Sarma’s visit to Sarupathar underscored his vision of transforming the region into a key hub for both sports and healthcare, providing a solid foundation for the development of future champions and better healthcare infrastructure.
