Assam GK Topic

List Of Arjuna Award Winners From Assam

The Arjuna Award, instituted in 1961 by the Government of India, is the second highest sporting honor in the country, recognizing outstanding achievement in national and international sports. The award includes a bronze statuette of Arjuna, a scroll, and a cash prize. Over the years, the award has expanded to include indigenous games and athletes with disabilities, highlighting India’s diverse sporting talent.
List Of Arjuna Award Winners From Assam illustration

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Detailed Notes

Assam, a state known for its rich culture and sports legacy, has produced several Arjuna Award winners who have brought national and international recognition to the state. These athletes span a variety of disciplines, including athletics, boxing, table tennis, archery, and wrestling. Their achievements not only celebrate individual excellence but also inspire young sportspersons across the region.

Prominent Arjuna Award Winners from Assam

1. Bhogeswar Baruah (Athletics, 1966)

Bhogeswar Baruah was the first Assamese to receive the Arjuna Award. He won the gold medal in the 800 meters race at the 1966 Bangkok Asian Games. Baruah’s achievements are celebrated in Assam every year on September 3, known as Abhiruchi Sports Day, honoring his contributions to athletics.

2. Monalisa Baruah Mehta (Table Tennis, 1987)

Ace table tennis player Monalisa Baruah Mehta became the second Assamese recipient of the Arjuna Award in 1987. She was a 12-time state champion and eight-time national champion, representing India internationally. Married to fellow table tennis champion Kamalesh Mehta, she remains a prominent figure in Indian table tennis history.

3. Jayanta Talukdar (Archery, 2006)

Jayanta Talukdar was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2006. A leading archer from Assam, Talukdar represented India at major international events, including the 2012 London Olympics. His dedication and success in recurve archery have made him a role model for aspiring athletes in the region.

4. Shiva Thapa (Boxing, 2016)

Shiva Thapa, a world championship bronze medalist and Olympian, received the Arjuna Award in 2016. He was the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics and has consistently performed at national and international boxing tournaments, bringing immense pride to Assam and India.

5. Hima Das (Athletics, 2018)

Nicknamed the Dhing Express, Hima Das is the latest Assamese athlete to receive the Arjuna Award. She became the second athlete after Bhogeswar Baruah to achieve this honor from Assam. Hima Das has made headlines globally by winning gold at international competitions and inspiring young athletes in track and field sports.

6. Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing, 2020)

Lovlina Borgohain won a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in the women's welterweight event, becoming only the third Indian boxer to win a medal at the Olympics and she became the sixth person from Assam to receive Arjuna Award.

7. Nayanmoni Saikia (Lawn Ball, 2022)

Nayanmoni Saikia was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award for her outstanding achievements, notably her gold medal win at the Commonwealth Games 2022.

Key Highlights of Assamese Arjuna Award Winners

  • Assam has produced athletes across multiple disciplines, demonstrating its sporting diversity.

  • These awardees have not only achieved national success but also represented India internationally.

  • Bhogeswar Baruah, the first awardee from Assam, set a benchmark for athletic excellence.

  • Modern athletes like Hima Das and Shiva Thapa continue to inspire the next generation of sports talent.

The Arjuna Award winners from Assam have contributed to elevating the state’s reputation in the national sports arena. Their success stories emphasize hard work, dedication, and perseverance, inspiring young athletes across Northeast India and the country.