Guwahati: Guwahati Sports Association (GSA) unveiled its new plans and programs under the newly adopted constition today at the Gauhati Town Club auditorium. The newly formed executive committee of the GSA has decided to implement the programs for the upcoming years to bring structural change in the organization in a meeting yesterday. Addressing a press conference, the General Secretary of the GSA Devajit Saikia said, “The General Body of the GSA adopted the new constitution for major changes to make the organization dynamic and vibrant. Considering latest changes in the sports world, the constitution has taken some drastic steps for betterment of sports in Guwahati”.
Elaborating the major steps taken by the GSA in this regard, Saikia said that there will be four categories of membership of the GSA from now on and these will Clubs, Educational Institutions, Institutions and Life Membership. The GSA shall start the process to open the new membership and renewal of existing membership very soon. He said that a notice will be issued in this regard and will be brought to public domain within two days. The process will be completed by 15 August. The GSA will also in the process of preparing a sports calendar for all its disciplinew. Explaining the major changes brought to the Football structure of the GSA, Saikia said that existing Super Division Football League is now abolished and there will be three divisions A, B and C Division League for exclusive clubs of Guwahati. Guwahati Premier Football League will be introduced as a highly competitive showcase event of Football where offices, corporates will participate along with the top two teams of the A Division. Number of teams is restricted to 16 teams this season, but there will be provisions to further increase the participating teams, informed Mr Saikia. He requested all the major Public Sector Units as well as Private Corporations to participate in the League. He said that deviating from earlier season timing, GSA Football season will start somewhere from September. Apart from Men’s Football League, the GSA will also conduct age group (U13, U15 and U17) and Women’s Football Leagues. GSA is also contemplating to start school football tournament, said Mr Saikia. He said that, in addition to this, the GSA shall conduct all the tournaments as directed by the AIFF and AFA. Informing about the prestigious Bordoloi Trophy, the General Secretary said that AIFF has sent a proposal to organize the Bordoloi Trophy as a qualifying tournament for Santosh Trophy for eight northeastern states. The GSA on principle, accepted the proposal, but nothing is finally decided. A final decision will be taken after the consultation with the Chief Minister, told Mr Saikia. He further added that in Cricket, there will be two divisions, A and B. In A Division, 10 and in B Division, 10 teams will participate. Additionally. School tournament, Women and age group tournaments will also be introduced. Mr Saikia informed that 5th All Assam Ranking Badminton Tournament is being organized by the GSA and will start from tomorrow at the Kanaklata Indoor Stadium. GSA Vice President L. Hemanta Singh briefed about the Ranking Badminton Tournament which will be participated by approximately 700 shuttlers of the state. He requested sports enthusiasts to come and enjoy the best of Assam Badminton in the city. The press conference was also attended by the President Paresh Ch. Das, Vice President Bhola Boro, Treasurer Amiya Kumar Kalita, Joint Secretary Kajal Paul Choudhury and other office bearers and members of the GSA.
