Bhogeswar Baruah

thumb|Facing hurdles is part of an athlete's life. Bhogeswar Baruah (born 3 September 1940) is an Indian retired athlete, coach, and military soldier. Considered one of the greatest Assamese athletes of all time, he is the first Arjuna award recipient from Assam. For his achievements, he is widely regarded as a state icon and sporting legend. Quotes thumb|Has the government made anyone a sports person? Government is not identifying and picking up talents from the ground. When someone shines, only then the government comes into the picture Times of India column, 2007 Full column here, (4 March 2007). How do I describe my feelings? How does anyone describe these emotions? It is like a big emptiness. Perhaps, it is same emotion-filled empty feeling a father experiences the day after the marriage of his daughter Being a man who loves to be in the midst of sporting activities, I am suddenly in a vacuum after all the hurly-burly of the past 10 days. It will take a few days to return to normal life. There will be some who will say that outsiders have played a big role in winning the medals, but let me clarify that it is only partially true. I would also like to add that there is nothing wrong in hiring good people. What it has done is that it has given our boys the necessary confidence to compete with the best and believe in themselves. There is no harm in dreaming. After all, the National Games at one point of time was also a dream. We have made it happen. We can all raise a toast for a job accomplished. Times of India interview, 2011 Interview here, (23 May 2011). We've never been short of sportspersons with the potential to shine on a global platform. In fact, I would say, the northeast can produce world-beaters, and this has been proved in some areas. In Assam, too, there are several talented players and they have achieved glory, but only due to their individual effort. The system needs to be changed to help these players reach their goals. The authorities should scout for young talent in rural areas and groom them into world-class players. I think it is quite possible given the pool of potential star players we have here. Only a sportsperson can understand the potential talent, constraints and feelings of a fellow sportsperson. In such a case, former players should be enlisted as consultants in the sports department so upcoming sportspersons can benefit from their experience. Khaleej Times interview, 2014 Full interview here, (17 September 2014). Facing hurdles is part of an athlete's life Officials' indifference and selection bias have been the biggest issues in our country. I didn't know what to say as I was engulfed by incredible sadness. It was too little, too late Baruah speaking on the apology to him for not being selected from the Olympics years after. But something changed when the final started. I led from start to finish to win with a new Asian Games record (1.49.4). I was an Asian champion. It really was an unbelievable moment as I came from a state not many Indians knew much about those days. 2018 Hima is the future star and age is with her. So she should focus on the training only. Baruah speaking about Hima Das during the 2018 Abhiruchi Sports Day. (Source) 2019 Definitely, it's a happy feeling for me. I hope the school will help in nurturing a host of young talents who will be able to represent the country in the long run. Baruah speaking about a state sports school named after him in February 2019. (Source) 2024 PTI Interview Source, (14 December 2024). It is sad to say there is no production of sportspersons anywhere in Assam. Earlier, we used to organise camps to attract new talent, but it is not happening anymore. If there is no coaching, how will we produce sports persons? If any sports event takes place, the kids are just taken there to participate. If there is no training or camp, how will our children progress? If there is any tournament, children are called and taken to participate - this is Assam's sports policy. Has the government made anyone a sports person? Government is not identifying and picking up talents from the ground. When someone shines, only then the government comes into the picture. That is what is happening nowadays. All sportspersons are in the villages. We have to search and nurture them. Rural sports is the only way to find real talents, otherwise we won't get it Quotes about Baruah B He remains an inspiration for many aspiring athletes and his contribution to Assam’s sports scenario is unparalleled. (Source) Minister Bimal Borah speaking about the legacy of Baruah. D His legacy will always shine in Assam's sports arena, inspiring every athlete to bring unity and pride to our state. Tourism Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass describing the legacy of Baruah in 2024. G Many young students today may not have seen Baruah in his prime, but this celebration allows them to witness and draw inspiration from his journey Minister Nandita Garlosa speaking about the Abhiruchi Sports Day in 2025. (Source) His legacy continues to inspire our athletes. Jitu Goswami describing the legacy Baruah has left. H His dedication to sports remains an everlasting beacon for Assam's youth. Minister Pijush Hazarika speaking on Baruah. (Source) M His insightful guidance within the realm of athletics will undoubtedly be a valuable asset for us. Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah speaking about Bhogeswar Baruah. (Source) N His trailblazing spirit inspires generations of athletes. Finance Minister Ajanta Neog speaking about Baruah in 2024. (Source) S The legacy of Shri Bhogeswar Baruah will continue to inspire every Indian to dream big, play with passion and bring glory to the nation. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal speaking about Baruah in 2025. (Source) Today, we celebrate State Sports Day, in honour of an exceptional sportsman and Assam's first Arjuna Awardee, Shri Bhogeswar Baruah. He started off as a torch bearer of sports in Assam which has inspired many athletes over the years Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma speaking about Baruah in 2025. (Source) External links Category:1940 births Category:Living people Category:Track and field athletes Category:Sportspeople from India Category:Coaches and managers