Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates major sports and community projects in Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh, Aug 16: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a series of key development projects on Friday, aimed at boosting sports infrastructure and community facilities in the region.

The minister dedicated the newly constructed Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Pavilion and Indoor Cricket Hall in Dibrugarh, marking a new chapter in the district’s sporting landscape.

Sonowal also inaugurated development works at Bindhakata Higher Secondary School — including a boundary wall, ceremonial gate, footpath, kitchen, guard room, and drainage facilities worth ₹90 lakh, along with a newly built additional classroom block worth ₹51.22 lakh.

Further, he inaugurated a modern gymnasium facility at Mulukgaon Uddipta Yuvak Sangha, installed at a cost of ₹10 lakh under his MPLAD funds for 2022–23 and 2023–24.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal said sports are a unifying force and urged the youth to embrace education, culture, and sports with equal commitment.

“Sports instil discipline and teamwork. They also shape a positive mindset and personality,” he said. “Inspired by Bhupen Hazarika’s immortal lyrics, Ei Prithibi Ek Krirangan, Krira Hol Shantir Prangan, we must march forward with renewed spirit and make Assam a powerhouse in India’s sporting future.”

Sonowal highlighted the government’s efforts to identify and nurture hidden talent in Assam’s sporting arena. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), he said the government’s focus on athlete support has led to India’s improved performance at national and international competitions.

“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a renaissance has begun in India’s sporting world,” Sonowal said. “Assam must also rise as a leading sporting state. Just as Riyan Parag has brought glory to Assam and India in cricket, I hope more such champions emerge from our soil.”

The minister also praised Modi’s governance, saying the past 11 years have transformed India into a strong, modern nation guided by good governance. He contrasted this with what he termed the “dark era of corruption, authoritarianism, and scandals” during the Congress regime.

“In just over a decade, Prime Minister Modi has delivered what Congress could not achieve in 55 years,” Sonowal said. “Through honesty, determination, and dedication, he has brought unprecedented transformation, making India a respected power on the global stage.”

Sonowal further highlighted how government schemes have lifted 25 crore people out of poverty and empowered youth through employment, start-ups, and innovation. He expressed confidence that under Modi’s leadership, India’s youth would continue to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

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