Guwahati, Sept 4: On Thursday, the first-ever Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Awards were presented, honoring notable athletes including double-Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, football legend Sunil Chhetri, and Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain.

Manu Bhaker was awarded the title of Best Sportsperson (National), while Sunil Chhetri received the Lifetime Achievement (National) award for his remarkable contributions to football. Additionally, weightlifter Bedabrat Bharali was recognized as the Emerging Player (National). From Assam, Lovlina Borgohain was named Best Sportsperson, Dipankar Bhattacharya was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award for badminton, and table tennis player Priyanuj Bhattacharya was acknowledged as the Emerging Player.

This award, established by the Assam Olympic Association (AOA) to honor Bhogeswar Baruah, the first Assamese gold medallist at the Asian Games, will be awarded annually across six categories: Best Sportsperson, Emerging Player, and Lifetime Achievement at both national and Assam levels.

The ceremony was graced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who presented the awards. Special recognition was also given to several individuals, including Prema Dhar Sarma, Swadhin Ch Deka Raja, and others for their contributions to sports.

Bhogeswar Baruah made history by winning gold in the 800 meters at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok and silver in the 4x400m relay at the 1970 Games, becoming the first Assamese to receive the Arjuna Award.

Chief Minister Sarma described the award's launch as a pivotal moment for Assam's sports community, while Sonowal emphasized it as a tribute to the state's resilient sporting spirit. Both leaders underscored Assam's growth as a sports hub and the government's ongoing commitment to enhancing infrastructure, organizing events, and nurturing grassroots talent.

Inaugural awardees (2025): Best Sportsperson (National): Manu Bhaker, Olympic medallist (Shooting); Lifetime Achievement (National): Sunil Chhetri, Indian football star; Emerging Player (National): Bedabrat Bharali (Weightlifting); Best Sportsperson (Assam): Lovlina Borgohain, Olympic bronze medallist (Boxing); Lifetime Achievement (Assam): Dipankar Bhattacharya (Badminton); Emerging Player (Assam): Priyanuj Bhattacharya (Table Tennis).