Sarusajai Stadium Renamed in Honor of Assam’s Sporting Icon Bhogeswar Baruah

The Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati has been officially renamed the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, in a historic move to honor Assam’s legendary athlete and first Arjuna Award recipient, Bhogeswar Baruah. This decision marks a significant tribute to Baruah, whose outstanding achievements in athletics placed Assam prominently on the national sporting map and inspired generations of sportspersons in the state and beyond.

Earlier, the stadium was widely known as the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, a multipurpose sports venue that has hosted major sporting events, including football matches, athletic championships, and national-level tournaments. By renaming the facility after Bhogeswar Baruah, the Assam government seeks to immortalize his contributions to the sporting world and acknowledge his role in inspiring a new generation of athletes.

The announcement of the renaming was made during the State Sports Day celebrations held at the Sarusajai premises, a grand event attended by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Bhogeswar Baruah himself, several state dignitaries, athletes, sports enthusiasts, and members of the sporting fraternity. The presence of the legendary athlete at the ceremony added to the significance of the occasion, as the state came together to honor one of its greatest icons.

Highlighting the importance of the move, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also announced that the stadium’s permanent main gate, bearing the new name, will soon be formally inaugurated. This symbolic act will serve as a lasting reminder of Baruah’s enduring legacy in the field of athletics and his contribution to Assam’s sporting identity.

The decision to rename the complex was not an impromptu one. It had received formal cabinet approval during a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on May 28, underscoring the government’s commitment to systematically recognizing and celebrating sporting legends of the state. Officials have emphasized that this initiative aligns with the broader goal of creating a culture of respect and acknowledgment for sportspersons whose achievements continue to motivate young athletes to pursue excellence.

Bhogeswar Baruah, often regarded as a pioneer of athletics in Assam, made history by winning the gold medal in the 800 meters at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok. His victory was a watershed moment for Assam’s sporting community, as it brought the state into the national and international limelight. In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Baruah was conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1966, becoming the first Assamese sportsperson to achieve this honor. Over the decades, he has remained an inspirational figure, encouraging the youth to take up sports as a career and contributing to the growth of athletics in the region.

The renaming of the Sarusajai Sports Complex is therefore more than a symbolic gesture—it is a reaffirmation of Assam’s deep respect for its sporting icons. The move also reflects the government’s broader vision of promoting sports infrastructure and nurturing talent, ensuring that future generations remain connected to the inspiring stories of legends like Bhogeswar Baruah.

In sum, the transformation of the Sarusajai Sports Complex into the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex is a fitting tribute to a man who blazed the trail for Assam in the world of athletics. It embodies the state’s gratitude, pride, and determination to keep alive the legacy of one of its greatest sporting heroes while motivating countless others to follow in his footsteps.