Nearly 4,500 athletes, officials will participate in the 12th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games.
In just about two weeks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making his second trip to Assam this year to inaugurate the 12th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games on February 5.
But as Guwahati and neighbouring Meghalaya gets ready to host the mega sports event, the BJP will attempt to showcase the administrative skills of Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal - BJP's face in Assam elections - to counter Congress allegations that Mr Sonowal is inexperienced.
"It's not the question of 'in experience' or inexperience but the question is of putting a united effort," Mr Sonowal told NDTV. "My main job is to make the event success with the people," he said.
On February 5, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the SAF Games where the North-East will be pitched as a sporting hub. The Centre is spending nearly Rs 350 crores to upgrade sporting facilities, roads and the security infrastructure.
Nearly 4,500 athletes, officials will participate in the games and diplomats from South Asia attending the opening ceremony will be its high point.
Not one to waste a political opportunity, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi says SAF Games are possible now only because his government brought peace to the state.
"When I took over, it was full of militancy. In the past 15 years, we have brought peace and development," Mr Gogoi told NDTV.