Dibrugarh: A student’s concern over swimming skills in flood-prone Dibrugarh led to a swimming pool being announced at Dibrugarh University on Thursday.Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced the development at the university’s ‘Khelo India Dialogue’. He also announced a national sports excursion for the university’s top athletes to gain exposure to high-performance training.The student sought a swimming facility, citing recurring floods in Dibrugarh. Sonowal said steps would be taken to develop a campus pool.“The suggestion raised by the student today reflects the kind of practical thinking and awareness we want to encourage among our young people. In a flood-prone region like Dibrugarh and other adjoining areas, learning to swim is not only about pursuing a sport but also about developing an essential life skill,” Sonowal said.“The proposed swimming pool will create an opportunity for students to learn, train and pursue swimming in a structured environment,” he added.Sonowal and students listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to nearly eight lakh young people as part of the Khelo India engagement. Football legend Baichung Bhutia also interacted with students.Sonowal stressed the need to make sports integral to education and promote healthier lifestyles.
