Assam to offer monthly scholarships to emerging athletes under Khel Maharan 3.0
1,500 players to get free accommodation, food and training; nearly 60 lakh register for third edition
By Dalim Phukan
Guwahati, Oct. 30: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced monthly scholarships of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 for emerging sportspersons under the third edition of Khel Maharan, a state initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level.
Unveiling the event’s logo, mascot, jersey and theme song at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati, the Chief Minister said nearly 60 lakh players, including 34 lakh men and 26 lakh women, had registered for Khel Maharan 3.0.
The government will initially select 500 promising athletes for annual scholarships over two years. The financial assistance will help them meet expenses on training, sports equipment, nutrition and other requirements.
Sarma also announced that 1,500 selected players would receive free accommodation, food and training at sports hostels in Guwahati following the completion of infrastructure development and redevelopment of Sarusajai and Nehru Stadium.
The third edition will feature eight disciplines — athletics, volleyball, yoga, chess, football, aquathlon, swimming and boxing. Its mascot, ‘Sonto’, is inspired by Assam’s golden langur and symbolises agility, strength, intelligence and adaptability.
The Chief Minister said the first two editions had helped popularise sports and identify promising athletes. As many as 612 players were selected for specialised training after the first edition and another 554 following the second.
He cited the achievement of Assam’s Under-17 girls’ football team, which won the 64th Subroto Cup, as an example of the programme’s impact.
To strengthen talent identification, the government will collaborate with JSW Sports. Athletes will be assessed at constituency, district and state levels, with selected players receiving advanced training under Indian and foreign coaches.
A ‘Shishu Krira Samaroh’ has also been introduced for children below 12 years to identify sporting talent at an early age.
The theme song has been written by litterateur Kailash Nath Sharma and sung and composed by Assamese singer Dikshu.
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary and several legislators and sports officials attended the programme.
