Bhogeswar Baruah

"He remains an inspiration for many aspiring athletes and his contribution to Assam’s sports scenario is unparalleled. (Source)"

"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."

"His legacy will always shine in Assams sports arena, inspiring every athlete to bring unity and pride to our state."

"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"

"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."

"Weve 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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Officials indifference and selection bias have been the biggest issues in our country."

"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."