Tribute to Premadhar Sarmah: A Pillar of Assam's Sports Community
Premadhar Sarmah: A Legacy in Assam Sports
Guwahati, March 13: Renowned sports journalist, commentator, and organizer Premadhar Sarmah, who played a pivotal role in shaping the sporting culture of Assam, passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 86 after battling a prolonged illness.
According to family sources, Sarmah took his last breath around 8 PM. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, and two sons.
Recognized as a leading figure in the region's sports community, Sarmah's career spanned over fifty years, during which he contributed as a player, referee, organizer, journalist, and commentator.
His professional journey began in 1964 with Central Railway, alongside Pulak Lahiri. However, his passion for sports soon led him to journalism, and in 1965, he became the first sports reporter for the Assamese daily Dainik Asam.
Over the decades, he emerged as a prominent voice in sports journalism in Assam, retiring as deputy editor in 2004 after nearly forty years with the publication.
Sarmah reported on numerous significant national and international sporting events, including the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and the 1987 Reliance World Cup, as well as the Hero Cup and Wills Trophy in 1996.
In addition to his journalism career, Sarmah represented India at various international platforms. In 1992, he was part of a media delegation at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, alongside then Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. That same year, he attended the 97th Congress of the Asian Sports Press Union in Seoul, South Korea, and in 2002, he was present at the Winter Olympics in Quebec City, Canada.
Sarmah was actively involved with numerous sports organizations, including the Guwahati Sports Association, Assam Football Association, Assam Olympic Association, Assam Cricket Association, Assam Table Tennis Association, All Assam Kabaddi Association, and served as president of the Assam Sports Journalists Association.
He also had a long-standing relationship with the Guwahati Press Club and held the position of treasurer for the Sports Journalists Federation of India.
Joining Gauhati Town Club in the early 1960s, Sarmah later became engaged with the Guwahati Sports Association, where he served as assistant secretary for the table tennis division. He was influenced by prominent sports figures of his time, including Radha Govinda Baruah and Pulin Das.
In addition to his reporting and administrative roles, Sarmah was well-known for his sports commentary, becoming a familiar voice for football enthusiasts during Bordoloi Trophy matches.
Sarmah received his education at Cotton Collegiate High School, Cotton College, and Gauhati University, where he interacted with several notable sports personalities, including Dr. T Ao.
By
Sports Reporter