Sports minister reassures personal security for FIFA U-17 WC teams after Guwahati stone-throwing incident

Sports minister reassures personal security for FIFA U-17 WC teams after Guwahati stone-throwing incident

no photo

|

Twitter

Sports minister Rajyavardhan Rathore has given assurance to the visiting teams, participating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, offering to provide personal security after a rock was thrown at the Australian team bus in Guwahati yesterday. He further added that FIFA is content with the security provided.

Things turned ugly at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati after India's disheartening display in the second T20I. When the victorious visitors were on the way back to the hotel, a rock was hurled at the team bus, shattering the glass. Although no one was hurt during the incident, it raised doubts over the state's security measure as it is currently one of the venues for ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches.

However, Rathore implied the incident as a one-off and assured that the visiting athletes for the FIFA U-17 World Cup should not panic as security around the hotel in which the teams were staying was tightened as a follow-up.

"Guwahati stone-throwing incident NOT reflective of our security measures. Aus team & FIFA are content w/those [with those]. India remains a graceful host. Have spoken to @sarbanandsonwal ji about the Guwahati incident. Personal security of visiting athletes & teams is extremely important for us,” he wrote on Twitter.

Assam state chief-minister, Sarbanand Sonwal, in a series of eight tweets, condemned the act and promised to take quick action against the culprits. 

“Really unfortunate incident after a great game aimed to tarnish Guwahati’s reputation as emerging sports hub. We strongly condemn it. Vow to take the strictest action against the culprits. Investigation is in full swing & Police have already picked up 2 suspects," Sonwal wrote.

"Yesterday, we had a great game. We had the best audiences. People of Assam are biggest sports lovers & great hosts. People of Assam don’t approve this. #FIFAU17WC going on in Guwahati. FIFA & all teams expressed their satisfaction at our arrangements. Yesterday, we witnessed a spectacular game & great display of sportsman spirit by the audience. Both teams were given a rousing welcome. Performances by both the teams were hailed by the audience, expressing people’s commitment towards turning Assam as Sports Capital of India.

"So, whoever got indulged in the hooliganism did it on the sole objective of defaming Assam & derailing its journey towards the top. That’s a design we will foil with the support of the people of Assam. Culprits will face full force of law & given exemplary punishment.” 

Get updates! Follow us on

Open all