Guwahati, ASSAM :
Guwahati :
The uncertainty over the state’s Class XII examinations, scheduled from Monday, has not curbed the “sporting” instincts of the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council.
The council has roped in former five-time national discus champion Tayabun Nisha to train 12 athletes, who were picked up from among the participants at the first higher secondary and junior college students meet here in December. The shortlisted athletes will attend a special coaching camp under Nisha at the NF Railway stadium in Maligaon.
The council’s novel brainchild, the three-day meet at the Nehru Stadium had attracted 297 boys and 146 girls in seven disciplines — 100m, 200m and 1,500m-sprint, high jump, long jump, discus and shotput events.
It had formed a four-member committee — comprising Nisha, Assam Amateur Athletics Association secretary Sarif Ullah, Thaneswar Saikia and district sports officer of Nalbari, Bhupen Choudhury — to spot talent at the meet.
“The council should be lauded for its efforts. I will contribute my mite to make the camp more meaningful. The trainees will be accommodated at the railway sports hostel. We need more such initiatives for the state to do well in the National Games,” Nisha said.
“The camp will begin after the higher secondary exams. It will be a short camp of maximum 10 days,” chairman of the council D.K. Kakati said. The next course of action will be taken after the council’s physical education committee is formed.
“We hope the sports administrators of the state will take a look at our selected players because some of them could be groomed for the 2005 National Games,” he said.
THE SELECTED PLAYERS
Boys: Kamal Hainary (Darrang); Robin Baishya (Nalbari); Gagan Baruah (Kamrup); Dwipen Rabha (Darrang); Biju Barman (Kokrajhar) and Tultul Saikia (Dibrugarh). Girls:Mina Deka (Nalbari); Jonali Devi (Kokrajhar); Sundari Barman (Kokrajhar); Rupamoni Bora (Jorhat); Puspha Bora (Golaghat); Gitanjal Bora (Golaghat).
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph, Calcutta,India / Front Page> Northeast> Story / by Umanand Jaiswal / Guwahati – February 19th(20th), 2003