In a major boost to Assam’s sporting ecosystem, a high-performance training camp for athletes and coaches across seven disciplines has been launched in Guwahati under the initiative of the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, in collaboration with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS).
The programme marks a significant step towards building structured, long-term athlete development pathways aligned with India’s Olympic ambitions, while also strengthening coaching capacity within the state.
The camps were inaugurated in the presence of Kausar J. Hilaly, Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam. Training for Chess, Table Tennis, and Tennis commenced on Friday, while Taekwondo training is set to begin from Saturday. Athletics and Archery will also be covered under the initiative, with delivery models designed to meet international high-performance standards.
Under the collaboration with IIS, Taekwondo, Athletics, and Archery will be delivered through globally benchmarked high-performance programmes. These programmes focus on technical excellence, physical conditioning, injury prevention, and long-term athlete progression rather than short-term competitive outcomes. The remaining disciplines Chess, Table Tennis, Tennis, and Swimming—are being directly supported by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, with an emphasis on competitive preparedness and coach education.
A key objective of the initiative is the identification and nurturing of emerging sporting talent from across Assam. By bringing athletes into a centralised, high-quality training environment, the programme seeks to ensure that promising performers receive early exposure to modern coaching practices and scientific training principles. Equally important is the focus on coach development, with local coaches training alongside experienced international and national experts to enhance their technical knowledge and planning skills.
The Chess camp, being held at the Civil Services Officers’ Institute in Khanapara, has drawn strong participation. International coach Dejan Bojkov from Bulgaria and Indian coach Vishal Sareen are leading the sessions. A total of 47 selected athletes and coaches from the state are taking part in the camp, which will continue until January 27. The training programme covers opening theory, middlegame strategy, endgame techniques, and psychological preparation, all crucial components for competitive success at higher levels.
Meanwhile, the Table Tennis camp at the Bhogeswari Phukanani Indoor Stadium in Dispur is being conducted under the guidance of international coach Sekpong Yomjinda from Thailand. The camp includes 52 boys and girls along with six coaches from Assam. Sessions focus on improving footwork, stroke mechanics, tactical awareness, and adaptability to different styles of play. The presence of an overseas coach provides valuable exposure for both athletes and coaches, helping bridge the gap between domestic and international standards.
At the Department of Sports Tennis Courts in Dispur, a Tennis training camp is underway with Brazilian coach Vinicius Ono overseeing the programme. The camp features 32 boys and girls and six state coaches. Training modules are centred on technical fundamentals, movement efficiency, conditioning, and match-play scenarios. Both the Tennis and Table Tennis camps are scheduled to run until January 24, following an intensive and closely monitored training block.
The inclusion of Taekwondo, Athletics, and Archery under the IIS-supported framework adds a strong high-performance dimension to the initiative. These sports will benefit from structured athlete monitoring, performance analytics, and systematic progression planning, which are essential for sustained success at national and international levels.
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Officials associated with the programme have emphasised that this initiative is designed as a long-term investment rather than a short-term intervention. By combining government support with high-performance expertise, the camps aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that can consistently produce competitive athletes while empowering coaches with modern methodologies.
The launch of this high-performance camp represents an important milestone for sports development in Assam. With structured training, international exposure, and a clear focus on long-term growth, the initiative is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of athletes and coaches from the state, strengthening Assam’s contribution to India’s evolving high-performance sports landscape.
