Guwahati, 19 January (HS): The Assam government’s Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, in collaboration with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), has launched a Coaches Orientation & Development Programme along with a Talent Identification initiative in Guwahati from January 18 to 23.

Led by former Olympian and IIS Athletics Head Coach Troy Douglas, the programme also features renowned coach Dr Klaus Bartonietz, who guided Neeraj Chopra to Olympic gold. About 150 under-18 athletes from across Assam and 11 coaches from seven districts are participating under a World Athletics–aligned curriculum.

The initiative aims to strengthen Assam’s athletics ecosystem, with plans to set up a satellite athletics centre in Guwahati to create long-term Olympic pathways for young talent.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash