Guwahati: NTPC Bongaigaon has extended support to four young footballers from rural Assam by sponsoring sports kits and providing financial assistance for transport and allowances. The players, selected for the Under-15 and Under-17 categories in the Assam Trials held at Adabari Playground, Kokrajhar, are now set to participate in the final selection at Sudeva Delhi FC’s training facility in Delhi.

The trials, conducted by Sudeva Delhi FC in January 2025, identified Sandeep Nazary, Kapil Brahma, Rangina Basumatary, and Nihan Basumatary as promising talents. In response to a request from the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), NTPC Bongaigaon stepped in to ensure their participation in the final selection process.

At an event organised to mark the initiative, NTPC Bongaigaon’s Head of Project Arnab Maitra reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing young talent, especially in rural areas. Dr Heman Hazarika, scientist at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, commended NTPC’s efforts in supporting local players and stressed the importance of balancing sports with academics.

Representatives from ABSU, the NTPC Bongaigaon Employees Union, and Salakati Shramik Union expressed appreciation for NTPC’s role in facilitating opportunities for young footballers. Onkar Nath highlighted how such initiatives contribute to shaping the sports culture of the region.

The event was attended by senior NTPC officials, including Sheeja A Sasidharan, Paresh Mathur, Roshan Dungdung, and Madhurjya S Lahkar. This initiative is part of NTPC Bongaigaon’s broader efforts to support community development and encourage sports as a path to growth for young athletes.

BI Bureau