New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking effort to honor women in sports, a significant 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, celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. This announcement was made by Minister of State for Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, during a press conference in New Delhi.

“This is an excellent opportunity to unite our young women across the country, and what better way to do this than through the ASMITA platform, which is rapidly gaining traction nationwide,” stated Smt. Khadse at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

ASMITA is an integral part of Khelo India’s gender-inclusive mission to foster sports among women through various leagues and competitions. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) collaborates with National Sports Federations to facilitate Khelo India women’s leagues across different age brackets at both zonal and national levels. Initiated in 2021, ASMITA leagues aim not only to enhance female participation in sports but also to serve as a platform for the discovery of new talent throughout India, as indicated in a government release.

To date, over 2,600 leagues have been organized in 34 sports disciplines spanning more than 550 districts and 700 cities across the nation. Notably, ASMITA has reached remote regions, including Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram in the North-east, as well as areas previously impacted by Naxalism. More than 300,000 women have participated in these events.

Khadse confirmed that competitions will be staged at 250 locations nationwide, focusing on athletics events (100m, 200m, 400m) for age groups Under-13, 13-18 years, and 18+. Each venue will be staffed with 5 technical officials, 10 volunteers, a competition manager, a Past Champion Athlete (PCA), and a District Youth Officer. Aiming for a record participation of 250,000 women in a single day, this initiative celebrates International Women’s Day.

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

“The league will be held across more than 30 States and Union Territories, including the North-east States. The goal is to inspire more girls in villages and small towns to pursue sports as a career, aligning with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Smt. Khadse remarked.

As India gears up for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and aspires to host the 2036 Olympic Games, Smt. Khadse emphasized, “We must recognize that readiness begins at the district level. Hosting the Olympic Games demands more than just infrastructure; it requires trained personnel in every district of India, certified technical officials, and administrative excellence. This initiative for International Women’s Day is a step towards that preparation.”

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