Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: The second edition of Khel Maharan was kicked off at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in the city with a colourful opening ceremnony. The event was graced by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Gorlosa and other distinguished guests.
Introduced in 2023, Khel Maharan aims to identify hidden talents across the state and provide them with the necessary training for future national and international competitions. This year’s edition has expanded to seven disciplines: football, athletics, kabaddi, cycling, swimming, volleyball and chess. Over 7,000 athletes from across Assam, selected through different levels competitions, are now competing in the final phase at multiple venues throughout the city.
The opening ceremony was a spectacle, featuring a vibrant cultural program followed by a ceremonial torch relay. The relay was graced by former international swimmer Fariha Zaman, Olympian boxer Shiva Thapa, and national games medal-winning archer Namrata Brahma, all of whom participated in carrying the torch.
Fariha Zaman, who once dominated the pool with her exceptional performances, expressed her amazement at the scale of the event. Looking back on her own career, she remarked, “Back in my day, we didn’t have access to these kinds of facilities. I can only imagine how different it would have been if I were starting now.”
Chief Minister Sarma also took the time to interact with the athletes by entering the ground. He was warmly greeted by the athletes, who waved in acknowledgment. In his brief address, Sarma advised the participants to give their best and stay committed to excellence.
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Gorlosa also spoke a few words in the event.
After the end of Day I, Jorhat is leading the medals tally amongst 35 districts with 15 medals (5-8-2). Sivasagar and Kamrup (M) are at second and third spots with 5 and 4 medals respectively.
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