GUWAHATI: In a groundbreaking revelation on Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the extraordinary achievements of the Khel Maharan initiative, a pioneering program aimed at identifying and promoting sporting talent at the grassroots level. The initiative, a brainchild of the Assam government, has witnessed an overwhelming response, with an astounding 52 lakh individuals registering and 27 lakh actively engaging in Gram Panchayat (GP) level games.
Khel Maharan, designed to identify and nurture at least 1,000 promising sportspersons at the grassroots level, focuses concurrently on enhancing sports infrastructure at the Gram Panchayat level. Sarma's social media post highlighted the remarkable strides made by Khel Maharan, showcasing the establishment of Youth Clubs in each Assembly Constituency.
The competitions, spanning five disciplines including Athletics, Football, Volleyball, Kabaddi, and Kho Kho, have become a pivotal platform for aspiring athletes in the state. In terms of sheer numbers, Khel Maharan has registered an impressive 52.76 lakh individuals, reflecting widespread interest and participation in the initiative. The identification of over 3,000 playgrounds for future sporting activities underscores the program's commitment to developing sports infrastructure.
At the GP level, a staggering 27.26 lakh people actively participated in the games, contributing to the vibrant sports culture that Khel Maharan seeks to foster. Another triumph for Khel Maharan is the identification of 9,780 participants as players of interest at the Local Area Committee (LAC) level, further solidifying its impact on talent identification and development.
The Khel Maharan initiative goes beyond showcasing athletic prowess; it has emerged as a catalyst for community engagement and the establishment of a robust sports ecosystem in Assam. The identification of 3,000 playgrounds for future sporting activities signifies the program's dedication to developing sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.
The Khel Maharan GP Games stand as a triumph in grassroots sports development, setting a benchmark for other regions and illustrating the transformative power of well-structured initiatives in identifying and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level.