Advancing Women’s Sports

On Tuesday, the ASMITA women’s leagues received an invigorating boost when Raksha Khadse, India’s Minister of State for Sports, launched their official social media platforms. The event also celebrated members of the Indian women’s rugby team, who clinched a bronze medal at the Asian U-20 Championship, signifying ASMITA’s rapid growth and its impact on women’s sports in the country.

About ASMITA

ASMITA, which stands for Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action, is part of Khelo India’s gender-neutral initiative. Since its inception in 2021, the program has achieved substantial milestones:

• Leagues Held: 1,886 leagues organized in collaboration with National Sports Federations and state associations.
• Participation: Over 214,000 women have taken part in 32 sports across more than 500 districts and 600 cities, including remote regions like Arunachal Pradesh and border areas.

Minister’s Commitment

During the event, Khadse emphasized the need for ASMITA to carve out its own identity, stating, “This shows the government’s intention to bring young women to the limelight. Through social media, we can penetrate even further and raise awareness for women wanting to play a sport.”

Recognition of Talent

Khadse honored six members from the women’s rugby team—Dumuni Marndi, Bhumika Shukla, Ujjwala Ghughe, Guriya Kumari, Sandhya Rai, and Amandeep Kaur—highlighting that many players who achieved success in the Asian U-20 Championship are products of ASMITA leagues.

Future Aspirations

Khadse discussed the necessity of expanding opportunities for women in sports, indicating that the ministry has a structured approach to nurturing talent. She mentioned the importance of creating a sustainable career path for women athletes, drawing a parallel to the introduction of equal pay in cricket for men and women: “We have to try and apply the same formula to all sports.”

Athlete’s Perspective

Among the attendees was celebrated shooter Manu Bhaker, a double medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Bhaker commended the ASMITA initiative’s scale and influence, remarking, “We women are demonstrating what we are capable of. If we have to do well in the 2036 Olympics, programs like ASMITA and Khelo India are the way to go.” She further emphasized the cultural shift the leagues are fostering, particularly in rural India.