Assam CM lays foundation stone of sports complex

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today laid the foundation stone of a Rs 139.82 crore multi-purpose sports complex here and urged people to adopt sports as a way of life.

The proposed sports complex at Khanikar Park is to be constructed with financial aid from central government under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also decided to build a National Cricket Academy in Dibrugarh, the chief minister said.

"Sports help keep the mind and body fit and healthy. It is important in everyday life. Increasing the number of hospitals is not the solution to our health issues. It is sports which can give us enduring health", he said.

Addressing the function organised by the state Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Sonowal said, sports also help build character and personality.

Observing that many parents hesitate to allow their children to take up sports as a serious discipline, he said such an attitude affects creativity and positive temperament.

Sonowal also appreciated local clubs for holding sports tournaments with their limited resources, and said such initiatives are instrumental in promoting talented sports persons at village level.

Coinciding with the function, the chief minister also felicitated 13 distinguished former sports persons and sports organisers for their contribution to the field of sports in the state.

He also inaugurated a multi-purpose indoor stadium at the Dibrugarh Boys' HS School playground.

The stadium was constructed at a cost of Rs 6 crore under Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme of the union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.