Assam unveils long-term housing project for budding athletes, addressing past challenges and building a strong foundation for future sporting success
Something exciting is in the pipeline for Assam’s sportspersons—a future where distance, fatigue of travel, and absence of support will no longer hinder talent. The state, which has been famous all these years for its spunky youth and raw sporting talent, is now turning the corner with a committed plan to accommodate more than 2,000 sportspersons in residential hostels in Assam within five years.
Declared by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 5, 2025, at the inauguration of the Lovlina Boxing Academy in North Guwahati, the decision comes as a part of a larger vision to make the sporting ecosystem of the state stronger. For years, Assam’s athletes—particularly from rural Assam—have had to contend with one thing in common: daily commuting to remote training centers, without proper nutrition, rest, or security.
“Doing 50 kilometres of travel daily just to train is not practical for a young player,” said the Chief Minister. “That is why we are now developing proper hostel facilities to accommodate at least 2,000 sports persons in the next five years.” His promise accompanies actual action: a 200-bed hostel is already on the drawing board at Amingaon, and a whopping 500-bed facility is on the cards at the state’s flagship sports complex at Sarusajai. Other residential centers are on the anvil for Dibrugarh and Chandrapur.
These hostels won’t be mere dormitories—they will be sportsperson-first facilities, complete with food, safe accommodation, and a clean environment so sportspersons can dedicate themselves completely to their development and training. The vision is to connect talent and opportunity—something Assam has been waiting for far too long.
The announcement also ties into Assam’s preparations for the 2027 National Games, which will be jointly hosted by all eight Northeastern states. With Assam likely to lead in hosting major events, these hostels are not just timely—they are necessary. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has supported this unified regional effort, calling it a step forward in showcasing the Northeast’s strength and unity.
The event also witnessed increased support for Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain, whose North Guwahati-based boxing academy was formally launched. CM Sarma made a ₹2 crore grant for the academy and vowed additional support for transforming it into a world-class training centre. “We will give everything—infrastructure to coaches—to make this a national centre of excellence,” he further said.
Conclusion:
The announcement represents a watershed moment in the way Assam is moving into sports—not just with enthusiasm, but with intention, planning, and infrastructure. By pledging to construct athlete quarters, the government is not only providing food and shelter; it is providing faith, hope, and a future. For the young Dibrugarh footballer, the Barpeta swimmer, or the Tezpur boxer, something better is indeed coming—and this time, the machinery will be with them.
