"My coach and I worked hard to get where I am now. We worked on speed for a few years, and then focused on technique, but there is still room for improvement"

"Worldwide Olympian associations have long been formed; this is a great move by Botswana as it had been behind"

"the establishment of the association will bring former and current Olympians together, so that they take part in national duties varying from officiating, coaches as well as the technical aspect"

"It is good that former Olympians will not be forgotten because once upon a time they raised the national flag high as such they should be recognised whilst giving back what they have learned back to the sports community"

"If I am given a chance to contribute, I will do that wholeheartedly although one has to consider giving first priority to young and upcoming individuals"

"Sometimes it is all about discipline. I believe that most of us could be making a lot money but the way we handle ourselves lets us down"

"Agents would only be associated with you because they want to make money out of you"

"Most athletes do not take their time to seek for advice hence they fall prey to some agents who do not want the best for the careers"

"I don’t put pressure on myself."

"I will sprint but I don’t like it. It’s so difficult, I tell people every day I give sprinters a lot of credit because whenever I sprint I feel so much pain."

"I am not scared to say I go for help when I want help, because I think that should be on top of everybody’s list."

"If you want the help, go get the help."

"I don’t like sprinting."

"His trailblazing spirit inspires generations of athletes."

"The legacy of Shri Bhogeswar Baruah will continue to inspire every Indian to dream big, play with passion and bring glory to the nation."

"Today, we celebrate State Sports Day, in honour of an exceptional sportsman and Assam's first Arjuna Awardee, Shri Bhogeswar Baruah. He started off as a torch bearer of sports in Assam which has inspired many athletes over the years"

"His insightful guidance within the realm of athletics will undoubtedly be a valuable asset for us."

"His legacy continues to inspire our athletes."

"His dedication to sports remains an everlasting beacon for Assam's youth."

"All sportspersons are in the villages. We have to search and nurture them. Rural sports is the only way to find real talents, otherwise we won't get it"

"He remains an inspiration for many aspiring athletes and his contribution to Assam’s sports scenario is unparalleled. (Source)"

"His legacy will always shine in Assam's sports arena, inspiring every athlete to bring unity and pride to our state."

"Many young students today may not have seen Baruah in his prime, but this celebration allows them to witness and draw inspiration from his journey"

"If there is no coaching, how will we produce sports persons? If any sports event takes place, the kids are just taken there to participate. If there is no training or camp, how will our children progress? If there is any tournament, children are called and taken to participate - this is Assam's sports policy."

"Has the government made anyone a sports person? Government is not identifying and picking up talents from the ground. When someone shines, only then the government comes into the picture. That is what is happening nowadays."

"But something changed when the final started. I led from start to finish to win with a new Asian Games record (1.49.4). I was an Asian champion. It really was an unbelievable moment as I came from a state not many Indians knew much about those days."

"Hima is the future star and age is with her. So she should focus on the training only."

"Definitely, it's a happy feeling for me. I hope the school will help in nurturing a host of young talents who will be able to represent the country in the long run."

"I didn't know what to say as I was engulfed by incredible sadness. It was too little, too late"

"It is sad to say there is no production of sportspersons anywhere in Assam. Earlier, we used to organise camps to attract new talent, but it is not happening anymore."

"Facing hurdles is part of an athlete's life"

"Officials' indifference and selection bias have been the biggest issues in our country."

"There will be some who will say that outsiders have played a big role in winning the medals, but let me clarify that it is only partially true. I would also like to add that there is nothing wrong in hiring good people. What it has done is that it has given our boys the necessary confidence to compete with the best and believe in themselves."

"There is no harm in dreaming. After all, the National Games at one point of time was also a dream. We have made it happen. We can all raise a toast for a job accomplished."

"We've never been short of sportspersons with the potential to shine on a global platform. In fact, I would say, the northeast can produce world-beaters, and this has been proved in some areas. In Assam, too, there are several talented players and they have achieved glory, but only due to their individual effort. The system needs to be changed to help these players reach their goals."

"Being a man who loves to be in the midst of sporting activities, I am suddenly in a vacuum after all the hurly-burly of the past 10 days. It will take a few days to return to normal life."

"The authorities should scout for young talent in rural areas and groom them into world-class players. I think it is quite possible given the pool of potential star players we have here."

"How do I describe my feelings? How does anyone describe these emotions? It is like a big emptiness. Perhaps, it is same emotion-filled empty feeling a father experiences the day after the marriage of his daughter"

"Only a sportsperson can understand the potential talent, constraints and feelings of a fellow sportsperson. In such a case, former players should be enlisted as consultants in the sports department so upcoming sportspersons can benefit from their experience."

"I feel good when I see all these athletes in Botswana doing well, because most of them have seen me do it - so that's why they are doing this now."

"I want to retire in top shape. That's what I'm planning to do."

"I vomited once and they decided that I was sick."

"Everything came crumbling down! It was my first time crying."

"I don't want to retire when I'm depressed."

"I have unfinished business with the World Championships."

"I’m satisfied, but I know I can run faster."

"I don’t like to judge others. Most of the times, I try and look at the fact that we are different and have different reaction, thinking, and reasons for doing things our own way."

"It doesn't matter whether I run good or I ran bad, it's my last season so I have to enjoy it."

"I have always made it clear that I provide for my family through athletics and I won’t retire, especially that I still feel energetic and fit to compete. I want people to understand this and get it right so that they are not confused when they see me competing abroad."

"I don’t know why people are so surprised by my return because I have never said I has retired from athletics. What I said was that I was retiring from international athletics which concern national team events."