Empowering Female Athletes: Khelo India ASMITA's Impact

The Khelo India ASMITA Women's League, launched by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, has increased female participation in sports. He inaugurated a new girls' hostel in Kerala, emphasizing investment in young athletes. The initiative supports India's 2036 Olympics goals with ongoing infrastructure projects nationwide.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Sunday that the Khelo India ASMITA Women's League has led to a substantial rise in female athletes participating in national sports events. Mandaviya inaugurated a newly-built 300-bed girls' hostel at the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

He highlighted this achievement as a crucial investment in the future of young female athletes, emphasizing India's goal to secure a top 10 spot in the medal tally by the 2036 Olympics. According to a press release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the minister encouraged athletes to see sports as a means to achieve national glory rather than just a path to government employment. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Panch Pran, stating that winning medals honors not only individuals but also brings pride to the entire nation.

The government release detailed that the hostel is part of the Khelo India infrastructure projects, completed with a budget of Rs 32.88 crores. Since 2014, 202 infrastructure initiatives have been completed under Khelo India, with 121 more in progress. The hostel's unique pentagon design includes five blocks, each with three stories, a central kitchen for 108 patrons, storage, staff quarters, and wash areas.

The event also honored athletes who have represented India in the Olympics, Asiad, and other international competitions. Arjuna awardees Padmini Thomas, S Omanakumari, Geethu Anna Jose, Saji Thomas, and V Diju were felicitated by the minister, while SAI RC LNCPE Principal G Kishore and KM Beenamol attended the ceremony.

(With inputs from agencies.)