Guwahati: The Khelo India University Games 2023 is to be held in NER. Ahead of the event, multiple star players of Assam have expressed their aspirations for the event. Most of the events are to be hosted in Guwahati. The competitions begin on Febryary 19.
Nayanmoni Saikia calls it the Gateway to Sporting Glory
Arjuna Awardee and Commonwealth Gold Medalist Nayanmoni Saikia, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. Hailing from Golaghat in Assam, she gave her full support to the event. She spoke about the importance of such events in shaping the future of young athletes in the country. The medal winner in Lawn Bowls, she called on everyone from participants to organisers to give their best.
She mentioned that the Khelo India University Games 2023 will present a good picture of the state. Adding that it gives her immense pride, she mentioned that this will inspire many youth to take up sports. “As an athlete who has witnessed firsthand the impact of such initiatives. I wholeheartedly wish all the participants the very best for the games,” she said.
Khelo India has brought out the competitive spirit in young athletes: Ankushita Boro
Former youth world boxing champion Ankushita Boro also expressed her enthusiasm for KIUG 2023. She mentioned the prospects of young athletes gaining exposure from the tournament. She had bagged the gold in her category when Assam hosted the Khelo India Youth Games in 2020.
“I will always remember the Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati. I picked the gold medal, it was sort of a fresh start for me in terms of performance. I can say that the Khelo India platform has brought in a fierce competitive spirit right from the under-18 days,” she said.
With almost 4500 athletes from 200 universities coming to participate in the event, the event presents ample opportunities for everyone. She also added that it will also see multiple inter-university rivalries and inter-state face-offs.
Popy Hazarika: Khelo India University Games 2023 to boost state’s sporting culture
Seasoned weightlifter Popy Hazarika represented India at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. She acknowledged the importance of the sports platform to the thousands of athletes. Popy Hazarika won medals at the National Games and the Commonwealth Championships. She mentioned that hosting the event in Assam will boost the sporting culture in the state.
Mentioning that Assam is known for its warmth and hospitality, she welcomed all the participants to explore the Gateway of Northeast. She also mentioned that this provides an excellent opportunity for the young players. “As an athlete, coming from a remote village in Assam, I have experienced how such tournaments help in boosting one’s confidence. I wholeheartedly wish all the participants the very best for the games. The exposure that these events provide to young athletes is massive, and helps shape one’s individuality,” she said.
Shivangi Sharma expecting good feedback from participants
Swimmer Shivangi Sharma has also expressed confidence of hearing “good things” from participants. The ace swimmer was part of the team which set a national record for women’s 4×200 m freestyle relay at the Hangzhou Asian Games. She expressed her happiness that the sporting event returned to the Northeast after 4 years.
Shivangi Sharma had bagged five medals in the Khelo India Youth Games hosted in Assam. She also mentioned that the state government will give its 100% for the success of the event. And that will make the event a massive success. “The arrangements were superb. Everyone said that the people were nice and the management was superb. So I am looking forward to hear good things about your own state. It’s been a long four-year wait, Khelo India is back in Assam,” she said.
