Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Arjuna awardee Nayanmoni Saikia expressed her delight at the prospect of Assam hosting the fourth edition of the Khelo India University Games 2023 (KIUG), stating that staging an event of such magnitude will help in nurturing budding athletes, and serve as a right step in the state’s commitment to becoming the country’s sports capital.

Hailing from Sarupathar village in Assam’s Golaghat district, Saikia emphasised the significant impact of platforms like Khelo India University Games in shaping the futures of young athletes.

“Khelo India University Games provides an invaluable platform for every aspiring youth to prosper and advance in their sporting journey. As an athlete, who has witnessed firsthand the impact of such initiatives, I wholeheartedly wish all the participants the very best for the games,” Saikia said.

Reflecting on Assam’s sporting heritage and the significance of hosting the Games in the state, Saikia remarked, “It’s a testament to our state’s growing prominence in the sporting arena and an opportunity for our talented athletes to shine on the national stage.”

Saikia’s own journey from overcoming an injury to clinching gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022 exemplifies the spirit of resilience and determination that defines athletes from the region. “Lawn Bowls wasn’t particularly prominent in Assam until the hosting of the 2007 National Games, which provided a significant platform for the sport to gain recognition within our state.”

Sharing more about her support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Saikia added, “As a former weightlifting athlete, I underwent extensive rehabilitation and training under the guidance of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Assam. Despite encountering a back injury in 2007, I persisted and waited until 2008 to embark on my journey in Lawn Bowls. With the invaluable support and resources provided by SAI, I was able to overcome my injury and prepare diligently for my inaugural participation in the sport.”

Highlighting the surge in sporting participation and success in Assam, Saikia noted, “Initiatives like Khelo India University Games not only nurture talent but also bring recognition to the state. I am eagerly looking forward to cheering for Assam’s athletes and inspiring the next generation of sporting talent alongside them.”