Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbanadnda Sonowal on Friday had felicitated Hima Das, the outstanding athlete of Assam for her recent achievements in the Asian Games 2018 and IAAF World U-20 Championship 2018 during a state-level felicitation function held at Srimanta Sankardev International Auditorium in Guwahati.

Sonowal handed over a cheque worth Rs 1.60 crore to Hima Das.

He also handed over a offer letter to Hima to make her the Sports Ambassador of Assam.

Sonowal also offered her a job in the senior category of Sports and Youth Welfare Department and requested Hima to consider the offer.

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Speaking on the occasion, the Assam CM while congratulating Hima Das on her extraordinary achievements in the recently concluded Asian Games, said that, Assam is proud of her achievements.

“The success of Hima Das will be a source of inspiration and encouragement for the coming generation of players in the state,” Sonowal said.

Responding to Secretary General of India Olympic Association Rajeev Mehta’s request of setting up a Sprinter Academy in Assam, Sonowal said that State government is seriously considering for establishing Sprinter Academy in the State to provide advanced training to the budding sprinters.

Sonowal at the same time congratulated Hriday Hazarika for winning gold at ISSF World Championships in South Korea and termed the day as  a glorious day for sports in Assam.

Expressing her feelings on the occasion, India’s new track and field sensation Hima Das thanked Assam CM Sonowal to augur a favourable ambience for sports in the State.

Hima said that Chief Minister’s decision to set up 500 play grounds all over the state and the government’s pro-sports policy will enable Assam to seek more medals in the international events.

“I always run after the time. My aim to develop my timing,” Hima said.

Secretary General of Indian Olympic Association Rajeev Mehta while speaking on the occasion appreciated the role of Chief Minister Sonowal for the promotion of sports in the country.

He urged upon the sporting fraternity of Assam to make good use of Sonowal’s stint as the Chief Minister of Assam for the promotion of sports and its infrastructure in the state.

Assam Finance minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma while speaking on the occasion also acknowledged the role of Chief Minister Sonowal for announcing financial incentives for medal winners of the athletes of Assam in Asian Games and Olympic events.

Union Minister, several Ministers from the state, MPs, MLAs, officials of Indian Olympic Association, yesteryear sporting legend and Arjuna Awaree Bhogeswar Baruah, sports personalities and host of dignitaries from cross sections of the society were present on the occasion.