Goalpara, July 12: The first edition of the Little Master Athletics Championship was held at D.N. Singha Stadium in Goalpara on Sunday, bringing together young athletes in an initiative aimed at promoting sports among children and encouraging healthy physical and mental development.
Organised by the Goalpara District Youth Athletics Coaching Centre in association with the Goalpara District Sports Association, the championship attracted participants aged between 10 and 16 years from across the district. With an entry fee of ₹100, the competition featured events such as the 60-metre sprint, long jump, javelin throw and other athletics disciplines. The young competitors displayed enthusiasm and determination, drawing appreciation from parents and spectators.
The event was organised under the leadership of the coaching centre’s General Secretary and former national athlete Birbal Choudhury, with support from former national athletes Utpalendu Das, Ajmal Haque and several sports enthusiasts.
Speaking on the occasion, the organisers highlighted the importance of encouraging children to spend more time in sports rather than excessive use of mobile phones and digital devices. They said regular participation in athletics and other sporting activities contributes to physical fitness, mental well-being, self-confidence and discipline.
They also noted that sporting excellence can create opportunities for government jobs and other career prospects, urging parents to motivate children to take up sports from an early age alongside their education. According to them, systematic training during childhood is essential for developing future athletes.
Encouraged by the response to the inaugural edition, the organisers announced plans to expand the championship in the coming years by inviting participants from across Assam, with the long-term goal of developing it into a state-level athletics event. They expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen athletics in Goalpara and help nurture emerging sporting talent.
