Naba Kamal Bhuyan: A Legendary Figure in Assam's Sports History Passes Away
A Life Well-Lived
Guwahati, Dec 21: Age never defined Naba Kamal Bhuyan's spirit. Even at 98, his enthusiasm mirrored that of a youthful athlete, and his memories were vivid, filled with tales from a time when sports in Assam thrived on determination, camaraderie, and creativity.
Bhuyan peacefully passed away at his home in Chennai on Saturday morning, as confirmed by family members. His departure marks a significant loss for Assam, not just of a cricketer but of a multifaceted individual who seamlessly blended sports, management, culture, and intellect.
Born on April 1, 1927, in Dibrugarh, Bhuyan's competitive journey began in 1939 during his school years in Nagaon. His talent and curiosity soon took him beyond Assam's borders. He represented St Paul’s Cathedral Mission College in Kolkata, and later excelled at Cotton College and Gauhati University in both cricket and football. He also became the inaugural sports secretary of Gauhati University, playing a crucial role in shaping organized sports during its early days.
A Historic Milestone in Ranji Trophy
The historic Ranji moment
Bhuyan is best remembered for his pivotal role in December 1948. At the Garrison Ground in Shillong, Assam's capital at the time, he opened the innings for Assam in its first-ever Ranji Trophy match against United Province. He faced the inaugural ball and scored the first run in Assam's Ranji history. While it seemed modest at the time, it has since become a monumental moment. Following this, he joined the police force but later transitioned to studying business management and working in the UK.
Cherished Memories and Contributions
Memories that stayed young
In later conversations, Bhuyan fondly reminisced about those early days filled with warmth and humor. Resources were limited, protective gear was nearly non-existent, and preparation relied more on creativity than facilities. He shared stories of studying English texts on pitch preparation, experimenting with clay and soil to create a playable wicket at the New Field in Guwahati. It was an era where bravery and sportsmanship often influenced outcomes as much as skill.
Beyond cricket, Bhuyan's life was rich with diverse experiences. He played football for Cotton College, served as its tennis secretary, and even became a chess champion in the seniors category. An economist by education and an author by passion, he also developed a deep appreciation for classical performing arts. Together with his wife, the renowned classical dancer Padmashree Pushpa Bhuyan, he co-founded the Pushpanjali Cultural Academy, a groundbreaking institution that has nurtured countless artists in Assam.
He maintained a close connection with Gauhati Town Club, both as a player and a life member, taking pride in the evolution of organized sports in Assam. During a discussion at the 91 Yards Club in 2023, he spoke of the 1940s as if they were recent memories, recalling teammates, rivals, and forgotten venues with remarkable clarity.
Honoring a Remarkable Legacy
Tributes to a towering life
Tributes flowed in from the sports community, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and the Assam Cricket Association expressing their sorrow over the loss of one of its early trailblazers, acknowledging his role in the sport's inception. Gauhati Town Club characterized his life as an unforgettable innings, celebrating his grace, dedication, and understated leadership.
Throughout a career that spanned nearly a century, Naba Kamal Bhuyan never sought the limelight. Yet, his name will forever be etched in the chronicles of Assam's sports and culture, not for a single achievement, but for a life lived with remarkable depth and dignity.