HT Digital
Wednesday, October 16: The second edition of Khel Maharan is set to kick off on November 13 and will run until January next year. This initiative, spearheaded by Assam’s state sports and youth welfare department, aims to strengthen the sports culture at the grassroots level, specifically targeting talent at the gram panchayat level. With a focus on nurturing young athletes across a wide range of sports disciplines, the event aspires to significantly boost Assam’s talent pool and provide a platform for aspiring sportspeople.
The first edition of Khel Maharan, held last year, was a resounding success, attracting more than 55 lakh participants who competed in five major sporting events. This year, the program has expanded to include new disciplines such as chess, swimming, and cycling using traditional bicycles, which is expected to enhance the diversity of participation and skills. The inclusion of these sports will provide even more opportunities for young athletes to explore their talents and find their niche.
Registration for Khel Maharan 2.0 began on September 30, and in just over two weeks, more than 10 lakh participants have already signed up to compete. Registration can be completed through the Khel Maharan app or via the official website of the sports and youth welfare department. This rapid response reflects the enthusiasm of the people and the growing popularity of the event across Assam. The department has made concerted efforts to ensure that the registration process is easily accessible to participants from all corners of the state.
Nandita Gorlosa, Assam’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, expressed her excitement at the overwhelming response so far. Sharing a list of the registered participants, she stated, “In just a few days, we’ve seen over 10 lakh registrations. It’s heartening to see such eagerness, and we hope to inspire our youngsters to explore their talents and choose their field of excellence.” She also emphasized the importance of such initiatives in creating a strong foundation for sports in the state.
Kausar Jamil Hilaly, Secretary to the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, highlighted the event’s role in fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and unity among the communities involved. He remarked, “The event has fostered a culture of sportsmanship and unity among communities. It has also been instrumental in igniting leadership qualities among the youth and promoting inclusivity, particularly for women, in sports.” This focus on inclusivity is a key aspect of the event, with specific efforts made to encourage more female participants to step forward and compete.
In response to feedback and with an aim to provide more time for young athletes to train and develop their skills, this year’s edition of Khel Maharan will also see a change in the age categories for participants. While last year’s competition had only two divisions—under-19 and those above 19—the categories have now been recalibrated. The new groups will include under-14, under-16, under-17, and under-20 divisions for both men and women. This change is intended to give young athletes more targeted competition and allow them more time to hone their skills as they advance in their chosen sport.
Khel Maharan 2.0 promises to be an exciting and impactful event for Assam’s sporting community. With its focus on grassroots development, inclusivity, and providing a platform for young talent, the initiative is set to continue growing in influence. By offering a structured and supportive environment, it not only enhances sports participation but also builds a sense of unity and pride among Assam’s communities.
