Khel Maharan 3.0: Assam to Provide Monthly Scholarships of Rs 3,000 to 5,000 Emerging AthletesChief Minister Unveils Logo, Mascot, Jersey and Theme Song; 1,500 Selected Players to Get Free Accommodation, Food and Training.

Dalim Phukan
Hills Live news, Guwahati, October 30:
Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday unveiled the logo, mascot, jersey and theme song of Khel Maharan 3.0 at a programme held at the Sri Sri Damodardev International Auditorium of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra at Panjabari in Guwahati.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Khel Maharan, launched with the objective of strengthening Assam’s sports ecosystem from the grassroots level, had now become a household name across the state. The first two editions had played a significant role in generating interest in sports among young people, identifying emerging talent and providing them with opportunities for appropriate training.
The Chief Minister said that nearly 60 lakh players, including 34 lakh men and 26 lakh women, had already registered for the third edition. He expressed confidence that Khel Maharan 3.0 would surpass the achievements of its previous editions.
This edition will feature eight sporting disciplines—athletics, volleyball, yoga, chess, football, aquathlon, swimming and boxing. The newly unveiled logo incorporates elements representing all eight disciplines and reflects the strength, dynamism, diversity and aspirations of Assam’s sporting community.
The mascot, named ‘Sonto’, has been inspired by the golden langur, an iconic symbol of Assam’s natural heritage. According to the Chief Minister, the mascot represents agility, speed, balance, intelligence, strength, curiosity and adaptability—qualities essential for a successful sportsperson. He also appreciated artist Shantanu Hazarika for creating the mascot.
The Khel Maharan 3.0 theme song has been written by noted litterateur Kailash Nath Sharma, while popular Assamese singer Dikshu has lent his voice and composed the music. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the song would inspire young athletes and encourage greater public participation in the sporting movement.
Highlighting the achievements of previous editions, Dr Sarma said that 612 players were selected for specialised training after Khel Maharan 1.0, while another 554 were identified following the second edition. These athletes received training under experienced national and international coaches to improve their technical skills, physical fitness and competitive abilities.
He particularly mentioned the success of Assam’s Under-17 girls’ football team, which won the championship at the 64th Subroto Cup Football Tournament.
The Chief Minister also announced a series of initiatives to strengthen sports development in the state. The government will provide monthly scholarships of Rs 3,000 to 5,000 emerging sportspersons in phases. Under the initiative, 500 promising athletes will be selected for annual scholarships for a period of two years. The financial assistance will help them meet expenses related to training, sports equipment, nutrition and other essential requirements.
He further announced that 1,500 selected athletes would receive completely free accommodation, food and training facilities at sports hostels following the completion of the hostel infrastructure and redevelopment of Sarusajai and Nehru Stadium in Guwahati. The beneficiaries will be identified through Khel Maharan and competitions organised by the Assam Olympic Association.
To make talent identification more professional and scientific, the government will also establish a formal technical collaboration with JSW Sports. Under the proposed arrangement, athletes will be assessed at Legislative Assembly constituency, district and state levels with the assistance of experts. Selected players will be invited to state-level training camps, while outstanding performers will have opportunities for residential training in Guwahati under experienced Indian and foreign coaches.
As part of the initiative to identify and nurture young talent, a ‘Shishu Krira Samaroh’ (Children’s Sports Festival) has also been introduced for children below 12 years of age. Under-12 categories have been introduced in athletics, football and volleyball, while swimming will have separate age groups beginning with children aged between five and ten years.
The Chief Minister said Khel Maharan had two major objectives: identifying sporting talent and ensuring widespread public participation. He appealed to people to actively participate in educational, sporting and cultural activities to transform Assam into a powerhouse of education, sports and culture.
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, MLAs Bijoy Gupta, Diplu Ranjan Sharma and Tapan Das, Assam Olympic Association Secretary Lakhya Konwar, senior government officials and other distinguished guests attended the programme.