In a major boost to grassroots sports development, cricket equipment was distributed among 86 sports clubs and educational institutions from the char areas of Kamrup district on Saturday.

The equipment was distributed at the conference hall of the District Commissioner’s Office in Amingaon. Chamaria MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed, Kamrup District Commissioner Deba Kumar Mishra and Director of Minority Affairs and Char Areas, Assam, Madhuchanda Talukdar, handed over the cricket equipment to representatives of the participating sports clubs and educational institutions.

The initiative aims to create greater opportunities for young sportspersons in the char areas by providing them with essential sporting equipment and encouraging wider participation in cricket.

Officials said the programme would also help in identifying and nurturing promising sporting talent at the grassroots level and provide aspiring athletes with greater opportunities to develop their skills.

Addressing the gathering, the guests highlighted the role of sports in shaping the personality and character of young people. They said participation in sports helps develop discipline, team spirit, self-confidence and leadership qualities.

They also emphasised the importance of providing proper infrastructure, equipment and opportunities at the grassroots level to bring hidden sporting talent to the forefront.

The programme was attended by ADC (Sports) Monika Borgohain, ADC Biswajit Saikia, District Sports Officer Bandita Gogoi and Sub-Divisional Sports Officer Pankaj Bharali, along with officials and staff of the Kamrup District Administration, Sports Department and other concerned departments.

The initiative is expected to encourage more youngsters from the char areas to take up cricket and pursue their sporting ambitions with better resources and support.