The Assam Cabinet has approved the conduct of Khel Maharan 3.0, incorporating a new ‘Sishu Krida Samaroh’ initiative, across all 35 districts of the state during the financial year 2026-27. This comprehensive programme aims to identify sporting talent at an early age, specifically targeting children under 12 years, and foster mass grassroots participation in sports.
The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on September 4, 2026, signifies a strategic push towards structured athlete development through formal partnerships and long-term financial assistance for promising young sportspersons. The initiative builds upon the success of its previous editions, expanding its scope to create a robust pipeline for future athletes from the state.
What was announced
The Assam Cabinet officially sanctioned Khel Maharan 3.0, which will include the novel ‘Sishu Krida Samaroh’ component, during its meeting on September 4, 2026. The programme is slated for implementation throughout the financial year 2026-27, covering all 35 administrative districts of Assam, according to a state government release. The primary objective is to promote widespread participation in sports at the community level while simultaneously establishing a mechanism for early-age talent identification, with a specific focus on the Under-12 age group.
Why it matters
This initiative is poised to significantly impact sports development in Assam by creating a structured pathway for young athletes. The inclusion of ‘Sishu Krida Samaroh’ is particularly crucial as it targets talent identification at a foundational stage, which experts believe is vital for long-term athletic development. Identified talents will benefit from structured training regimes, potentially through partnerships with established sports academies and federations, coupled with long-term financial assistance, as outlined by officials familiar with the programme. This comprehensive support system aims to alleviate economic barriers and provide a conducive environment for young athletes to hone their skills and pursue professional careers in sports.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised the long-term vision behind the programme. “Khel Maharan 3.0, with its dedicated ‘Sishu Krida Samaroh’, marks a pivotal step towards nurturing sporting excellence from a very young age,” Sarma said. “We aim to identify and support our future champions right from the grassroots, providing them with a clear pathway to national and international success.”
The Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Nandita Garlosa, highlighted the programme’s inclusive nature. “This initiative is designed to be inclusive, reaching every corner of Assam and ensuring no talent goes unnoticed,” Garlosa said. “The focus on the Under-12 category is crucial for long-term athlete development.”
Background
Khel Maharan 3.0 is the latest iteration of a successful state-wide sports initiative launched by the Assam government. Its predecessors, Khel Maharan 1.0 and Khel Maharan 2.0, garnered significant participation and laid the groundwork for mass sports engagement. Khel Maharan 1.0, conducted during 2023-24, saw an impressive participation of 18 lakh individuals across various sporting disciplines, including athletics, football, kabaddi, volleyball, and kho-kho. Building on this momentum, Khel Maharan 2.0, held in 2024-25, further expanded its reach, engaging approximately 30 lakh participants from across the state. These earlier editions primarily focused on promoting a culture of sports and physical fitness among the general populace. The introduction of ‘Sishu Krida Samaroh’ in the third edition represents a strategic evolution, shifting focus towards early talent identification and structured development, aligning with the state’s broader vision for sporting excellence.
Key details
The Khel Maharan 3.0 – ‘Sishu Krida Samaroh’ initiative will encompass several key components aimed at achieving its objectives. The programme will be rolled out across all 35 districts of Assam during the financial year 2026-27. A central feature is the specific targeting of children under the age of 12 years for talent identification. This early intervention strategy is designed to provide maximum time for skill development and physical conditioning.
The identified talents will be integrated into a structured development programme. This includes enrollment in state-run sports academies or other partnered private sports institutions. Officials indicate that these young athletes will receive comprehensive support, including scholarships, professional coaching, nutritional guidance, and access to modern training facilities. The government also plans to provide long-term financial assistance to these promising athletes, aiming to reduce the financial burden on their families and enable them to focus entirely on their sporting careers. The programme intends to forge formal partnerships with national sports federations, private sports academies, and potentially corporate sponsors to ensure a holistic development ecosystem for the identified talent.
What’s next
Following the cabinet’s approval, the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare is expected to finalise the operational guidelines and detailed implementation plan for Khel Maharan 3.0 – ‘Sishu Krida Samaroh’. This will include the establishment of district-level committees, identification of venues, and coordination with educational institutions and local sports bodies. The programme is set to commence during the financial year 2026-27, with specific dates for registration and initial rounds of competitions to be announced by the state government in due course. Stakeholders and aspiring young athletes are advised to monitor official announcements from the Assam government for further details regarding participation and timelines.