In a powerful call to action on International Women’s Day, Union Sports Minister of State Raksha Khadse declared that ramping up women’s involvement in sports holds the key to India clinching more medals at prestigious events like the Olympics.
The minister made these remarks while launching nationwide athletics leagues at the Garkheda Divisional Sports Complex in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The Asmita initiative – Achieving Sports Milestones by Inspiring Women Through Action – kicked off across 250 subcontinental sites, focusing on empowering female athletes.
Khadse officially started leagues for yoga, wushu, kickboxing, and weightlifting. She also launched a vibrant cyclothon and walkathon, a collaborative effort by SAI’s National Centre of Excellence in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, My Bharat, the local municipal corporation, and Maharashtra’s sports department to foster fitness and gender equality in sports.
‘Asmita is more than a program; it’s a game-changer for India’s international medal prospects,’ Khadse asserted. ‘Women’s Day celebrates not just rights but the bedrock of national progress. Equal opportunities for women empower everyone. Since PM Modi’s 2021 launch, Asmita has been scouting talent from villages, tribes, and schools.’
Participation breeds excellence, she noted. ‘A larger pool of women athletes means tougher competition and superior performances. Imagine the Olympics with more Indian women on the podium – that’s the Asmita vision.’
Milestones already achieved include 3 lakh women in 2600 leagues spanning 33 disciplines. For 2025-26, 1.59 lakh have registered in 1287 events so far.
The day’s athletics highlight was a massive league with 100m, 200m, and 400m races for under-13, teen, and adult girls at 250 venues. Drawing 2 lakh participants, it was powered by a network of Khelo India Centres, SAI, NCOE, sports bodies, and youth offices.
Khadse’s vision paints a future where women’s sports participation isn’t optional but essential for India’s sporting dominance.