Shivangi confident of hearing “good things” from participants as Assam readies for KIUG 2023

Guwahati: Assam swimmer Shivangi Sharma, who was part of the quartet that created a national record in women’s 4x200m freestyle relay at the Hangzhou Asian Games, expressed her delight about the prospects of her home state gearing up to host the forthcoming Khelo India University Games 2023, as a major sporting event returns to the Northeastern state after a four-year wait.

Shivangi, who sizzled in the pool four years ago when Assam hosted the third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, winning five medals, expressed her confidence on the state’s preparedness for the KIUG as she awaits to hear “nice things” about her state.

“I’m extremely happy that Assam is hosting the Khelo India University Games. When I participated at the KIYG, I saw how our state government made a wholehearted effort in arranging the event, and everyone loved it,” she narrated.

The youngster, who is currently training in New Delhi, spoke highly about the infrastructure back in her state, while also citing the improved facilities at the Dr Zakir Hussain Aquatics Complex, at the Sarusajai Sports Complex — the venue for the swimming events at the upcoming KIUG.

“If I start talking about sports in general in Assam, it wasn’t that great earlier but after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched so many schemes like Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), the focus has shifted to sports in Assam like other parts of the country. During KIYG, there were a lot of changes that the government invested in,” she said.

“I never trained in Sarusajai but I saw that entire pool there is so well maintained. In the month of January, it’s normally super cold in Guwahati, and they turn on the heater so that the swimmers could train in warm water. It’s comfortable for the swimmers. The only thing Assam needs is more trained coaches as there is no dearth of talent in the state,” she counted.