GUWAHATI: In a bid to foster widespread enthusiasm for sports among the state’s youth, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled an ambitious initiative named “Khel Maharan”.
This grand event is slated to take place from November 1 to January 2024 and aims to popularise a diverse range of sports across the region. The announcement was made by the state cabinet in New Delhi on Wednesday, reflecting their commitment to nurturing sporting talent from grassroots levels.
Chief Minister Sarma expressed his belief that this pioneering endeavour would allow authorities to identify promising young athletes at an early stage and provide them with comprehensive training and guidance, paving their way towards mastery in their respective fields.
Five disciplines have been chosen for competition: athletics, football, kabaddi volleyball, and kho-kho. Participants will compete within four distinct age categories – Under-19 (Men), Under-19 (Women), Above-19 (Men), and Above-19 (Women).
District-level tournaments will be hosted at prominent sports facilities across respective regions while five key cities – Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Kokrajhar, and Diphu – have been designated to host the state-level finals. This strategic decision will not only invigorate these cities but also provide a significant boost to aspiring athletes from all corners of the state.
Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah outlined plans for organising “Khel Maharan” across various tiers throughout the state. The event will be conducted at gram panchayat, urban local body, and ward levels under the supervision of village council development committees.
Additionally, it will extend its reach through collaboration with MAC level entities in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTC) as well as Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council Assembly constituencies. District-level competitions are also included within this extensive programme. Barua further revealed that necessary funding for these events has already been approved by the state cabinet.
