New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking move to honor women in athletics, a large-scale nationwide athletics league will take place at 250 locations as part of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action) initiative in recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, announced Minister of State for Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday.

“This is an exceptional opportunity to unite our young women throughout the country, and the ASMITA platform, which is rapidly gaining traction nationwide, is the perfect avenue for this integration,” stated Smt Khadse at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

ASMITA is an integral part of Khelo India’s mission to promote gender equality in sports by facilitating leagues and competitions for women. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) collaborates with National Sports Federations to organize Khelo India women’s leagues across various age categories at both zonal and national levels. Launched in 2021, the ASMITA leagues not only seek to boost female participation in sports but also aim to identify emerging talent across India, according to a ministry release.

To date, over 2600 leagues have been conducted across 34 sports disciplines in more than 550 districts and 700 cities nationwide. Notably, ASMITA has made its way to the remotest regions of the country, including Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram in the Northeast. It has also reached areas previously affected by violence. More than 300,000 women have participated in these events.

Smt Khadse indicated that competitions will be held at 250 sites nationwide, focusing on athletics events (100m, 200m, 400m) for age groups Under-13, 13-18 years, and 18+. Each venue will have 5 technical officials, 10 volunteers, a competition manager, a Past Champion Athlete (PCA), and a District Youth Officer. It is anticipated that a record-breaking 250,000 women will participate on this significant day.

This initiative will be executed in partnership with MY Bharat, Khelo India Centres (KICs), the SAI ecosystem & NCOEs, State & District Sports Associations, as well as District Youth Officers (DYOs), as per the release.

“The League will take place in over 30 States and Union Territories, including the Northeast. The goal is to inspire more girls in rural areas and small towns to pursue sports as a career, as envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Smt Khadse remarked.

As India gears up for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and aims to host the 2036 Olympic Games, Smt Khadse stated, “It is crucial to recognize that readiness begins at the district level. Hosting an Olympic Games requires more than just infrastructure; it necessitates trained professionals in every district across India, certified technical officials, and administrative excellence. This initiative for International Women’s Day is part of that essential preparation.”

Every athletics event at the 250 locations will also feature women technical officials, developmental workshops, and an introduction to officiating standards aligned with the Athletics Federation of India, along with training on digital data upload and competition documentation to ensure capacity building.