Guwahati: The final countdown has begun for the 12th SAG Games to be held in Guwahati and Shillong from February 5-16, 2016. Union Minister of State (I/C) Sports & Youth Affairs and Chairman OC-SAG, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Tarun Gogoi are all set to flag off a unique ‘Run for North East’ 5KM run to be held in the Capital city of Guwahati in the early hours on January 22.
Olympics Medalist M. Marykom, Olympian and Double Asian Games Gold Medalists Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, Ashwini Nachappa and other elite athletes and well-known artistes from the State will support the Run for North East to express their solidarity for Assam and Meghalaya, which is hosting the SAG Games for the first time.
The ‘Run for North East’ is being organised in both the host cities- Shillong and Guwahati on January 21 and 22 respectively, to raise awareness and spread enthusiasm amongst the people of the two cities for the Games and to highlight the achievement of the region in sports. The Run for North East in Guwahati will feature a ‘Fun Run’ for an approximate 10,000 participants and a seperate race will also be held for the differently-able sportspersons.
Commenting on the Run for North East and Torch Relay, Honorable Union Minister of State (I/C) Sports & Youth Affairs and Chairman-OC-SAG, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The North East region has played a stellar role in bringing laurels to India on the international stage. I’m extremely delighted that the Run for North East will spread the spirit of sportsmanship and enthusiasm for sports further amongst the people of Assam and Meghalaya. This is indeed a proud moment for all of us to host the 12th SAG Games for the first time in Guwahati and Shillong. I thank my colleagues in the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sports Authority of India and OC-SAG, the Athletics Federation of India and Government of Assam for conducting the Run for North East and the Torch Relay run for the 12th SAG Games.”
Shri Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam, said, “The people of Assam have a strong connection and affinity for sports, which has played a great role in the development of our youth and future generation. Assam is proud to host the Games and I’m thankful that the ‘Run for North East’ and the Torch Relay run will further showcase the passion of its people for sports. I congratulate the organisers of the Run for North East India and seek the support of the people of Assam to cheer the sportspersons from all the SAF countries.”
Shri Adille J. Sumariwalla, a former Olympian and President of Athletics Federation of India said, “The AFI has a great connect with the North East India as the region has produced a slew of brilliant athletes for the country. It’s extremely gratifying for the AFI to be able to express our gratitude to the people of Assam and Meghalaya by being involved in the conduct of the Run for North East. I’m confident that the 12th SAG Games will witness dazzling action from the participants and receive overwhelming support of the people from the host states.”
