Guwahati, 13th February: As Assam gears up to host the fourth edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023 from February 19, former youth world boxing champion Ankushita Boro expresses optimism about the state’s young athletes gaining valuable exposure from this marquee tournament.
Ankushita, who clinched gold when Assam last hosted the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in 2020, considers her performance during that event as career-changing, particularly after a performance dip following her 2017 youth world crown.
Reflecting on her experience, Ankushita emphasizes the competitive spirit fostered by the Khelo India platform, especially for under-18 athletes. She anticipates a similar atmosphere at the upcoming Khelo India University Games, with nearly 4,500 athletes from 200 universities competing fiercely for glory.
Ankushita, a beneficiary of the government’s Integrated Sports Policy, acknowledges the state government’s support for athletes, citing her own appointment in a Class III post under the Directorate of Sports & Youth Welfare after her success at the National Games.
Hailing from Meghai Jarani village in Sonitpur district, Ankushita praises the support received at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Golaghat during her early training days, highlighting the role of such centers in shaping athletes’ careers.
Expressing confidence in the successful conduct of the upcoming Khelo India University Games, Ankushita points to Assam’s track record of hosting major events and the state’s sports infrastructure, which she believes is on par with leading sporting nations.
Ankushita welcomes participants to the KIUG 2023, emphasizing the opportunity for them to experience Assam and the Northeast’s rich cultural diversity, cuisine, music, natural beauty, and wildlife, alongside the sporting event.
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