GUWAHATI: In a significant stride for Assam’s sporting future, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday inaugurated two top-notch sports academies in North Guwahati, yet stressed that the real work now begins.
Following the unveiling of a state-of-the-art cricket academy by the Assam Cricket Association and a football academy by the Guwahati Town Club, the Chief Minister remarked that building infrastructure is only half the battle. “Ultimately, we have to create talent and I am sure that both these academies will contribute in this direction,” he said, addressing a gathering. He noted that despite large-scale infrastructure development across the state, the consistent production of top-tier athletes has remained a challenge.
The focus, he underscored, must now decisively shift to nurturing athletes through rigorous, systematic training, guidance from national and international-level coaches, and regular performance monitoring. The new cricket academy is a sprawling facility with a main ground, multiple practice pitches, and one of the country’s largest indoor halls. It is also a residential setup, complete with lodging for players, coaches, and support staff.
Meanwhile, the football academy boasts two practice grounds and a 60-bed hostel. Calling the projects “landmark achievements,” Sarma praised both the ACA and GTC for their efforts, stating that these facilities mark a crucial step towards elevating Assam’s sporting stature on the national stage.
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