Background and Aim: Childhood between the ages of 8 to 12 years is a critical period for physical growth and functional development. This study aimed to evaluate body composition, hand grip strength (HGS), respiratory function (Peak Expiratory Flow – PEFR), and explosive strength (Standing Broad Jump – SBJ) among school-going children to establish normative data and explore age and gender-based differences. 
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 students (181 boys and 169 girls) aged 8 to 12 years, selected using systematic random sampling from various schools. Body composition (fat percentage, lean body mass), HGS, PEFR, flexibility, and explosive strength were assessed using standardized tools and protocols. Descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests were used to evaluate developmental trends and sex-based differences across age groups.
Results: The findings revealed a consistent age-related increase in height, weight, lean body mass, grip strength, PEFR, and SBJ performance in both sexes. Girls demonstrated significantly higher fat percentages across all age groups, while boys outperformed girls in HGS, PEFR, and SBJ from age 9 [Fat% (MD = -2.93, p = .001), HGS ( MD = 1.90, p = 0.50), SBJ ( MD = 15.60, p = 0.001)] onward, with significant differences observed particularly at age 10 [Fat% (MD = -2.82, p = .000), LBM ( MD = 1.97, p = 0.010), HGS ( MD = 3.13, p = 0.000), PEF ( MD = 39.31, p = 0.000), SBJ ( MD = 17.22, p = 0.000)]. BMI and flexibility remained relatively stable with no consistent gender disparity.
Conclusions: The study highlights distinct growth trajectories and emerging gender differences in physical and functional fitness among children aged 8 to 12 years. These findings emphasize the importance of age and gender-specific benchmarks for early identification of health and performance trends, and the development of targeted interventions in school health and physical education programs.