Helmsman: Gogoi. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

Former paddler-turned-politician Kalyan Gogoi, who has been elected president of the Handball Association of Assam recently, has vowed to popularise the game by 2005.

In an interview with Imtiaz Ahmed, the 38-year-old former state table tennis player from Sivasagar said lesser-known games should be patronised because they have the potential to bring medals from various tournaments.

Gogoi, who is state PCC general secretary and member-secretary of the state-level advisory committee for students and youth welfare, is confident that the National Games will be held on time.

Excerpts

Q. You have a table tennis background. What made you venture into handball?

A. Because I wanted to serve lesser-known sports like handball, kho-kho and kabaddi. I got several offers to head other associations, but I chose handball because there is enough potential in Assam and very few to guide it along the right way. As far as table tennis is concerned, it has a chequered history in Assam and is in safe hands.

You are the latest political entrant in sports. Is this a healthy trend?

Political or royal patronage of sports is a legacy we have inherited from our ancestors. There is nothing wrong in it as long as those who head the organisations deliver the goods.

In fact, the politicians sometimes misuse their position in sports associations to reach the masses. The associations should approach those politicians who are genuinely interested in doing something for sports. I am looking forward to serving sports through politics.

What is your blueprint to promote handball?

My first objective will be to promote and popularise the game throughout the state and make the team a force to reckon with at the national level.

Amulya Das introduced the game in our state in 1988, but we have produced at least three internationals in this short time.

Have you set any timeframe to achieve your goals?

Of course. You will see some visible changes by 2005 when we host the National Games. With the co-operation of my colleagues and well-wishers, I don’t see any reason why we cannot achieve our goals.

What are your views on the National Games?

We need the National Games. I am convinced the Games will be held by October 2005 under the leadership of chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who is very keen on meeting deadlines and holding the mega-event in a befitting manner.