[Assam] AOA to boycott NETV for negative publicity

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

AOA to boycott NETV for ‘negative publicity’
Our Sports Correspondent
 GUWAHATI, Feb 4 – The Assam Olympic Association (AOA) has decided to boycott local news channel NETV during the forthcoming 33rd National Games allegedly for doing negative publicity for the Games. State Forest Minister and AOA treasurer Rockybul Hussain alleged, during an interaction with mediapersons here today, that the news channel over the last few months has resorted to negative telecast of news items on the event slated to begin from February 9.

“Neither AOA officials nor State players would be allowed to give interviews to that channel during the Games and instructions has been passed on in this regard to all concerned,” asserted Hussain.

Arjuna awardee athlete Bhogeswar Baruah, who was also present during the occasion, echoed the voice of Hussain and termed it as very unfortunate. Baruah added that the Games is a matter of prestige for the State and the people of Asom are lucky to have got the chance to host such a prestigious event.

“The infrastructure developed for the mega event is a boon for us,” he added.

Highlighting the quality of the infrastructure prepared for the Games, Baruah maintained that unlike what players of our generation had got, the new crop of players would get a better platform to showcase their talent in the bigger milieu.

“Within the next few years, our State would definitely produce international quality players,” Baruah stated. 

Meanwhile, the AOA office-bearers have hailed the effort of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for his relentless efforts towards hosting the Games.

“We did not have even Rs 25 lakh initially to bid for the Games and it is mainly due to the endeavour of the Chief Minister that such a mega event is being hosted in the State,” said AOA treasurer Hussain.

The State Government has also announced a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh for the gold, silver and bronze medal winners respectively of the State.

For the three winning teams, the State Government has announced Rs 1 lakh, Rs 50, 000 and Rs 25,000, respectively. The coaches would also be rewarded with Rs 50,000 each.

Hussain further informed that though around 887 State players were expected to take part in the Games, however, the number is likely to increase due to the last-minute induction of karate in the Games.

Asom Pradesh Congress Committee president and AOA vice-president Bhubenswar Kalita further informed that the vehicular traffic system would be regulated during the Games and necessary steps are being initiated for the same.

Former State Minister and AOA vice-president Anjan Dutta also assured that the association is trying to ensure that the sports lovers do not face any problem while watching the mega event.

 
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