Khelo India ASMITA
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: PIB
Context: The Khelo India ASMITA Football League 2025-26 was inaugurated in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, marking a major step towards affirmative action in sports to boost women’s participation.
About Khelo India ASMITA:
• What It Is? A dedicated affirmative action sports initiative under the Khelo India programme to increase women’s participation in sports, focusing on grassroots talent development, especially among underrepresented communities.
• A dedicated affirmative action sports initiative under the Khelo India programme to increase women’s participation in sports, focusing on grassroots talent development, especially among underrepresented communities.
• Launched In: 2025–26, with the inaugural football league in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.
• Ministry:
• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), All India Football Federation (AIFF), and Western India Football Association (WIFA).
• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• Supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), All India Football Federation (AIFF), and Western India Football Association (WIFA).
• Provide a dedicated platform for young girls to showcase and develop sporting skills. Address historical gender imbalances in sports participation. Foster social inclusion by engaging talent from tribal, rural, and minority backgrounds. Contribute to nation-building through women’s empowerment in sports.
• Provide a dedicated platform for young girls to showcase and develop sporting skills.
• Address historical gender imbalances in sports participation.
• Foster social inclusion by engaging talent from tribal, rural, and minority backgrounds.
• Contribute to nation-building through women’s empowerment in sports.
• Key Features:
• Target Group – Girls aged 13 and under, including first-time players and hidden talent. Affirmative Action – Special focus on marginalised communities to ensure inclusivity. Platform for Exposure – Competitive leagues to enhance visibility and scouting opportunities. Integration with Khelo Bharat Niti – Aligns with India’s long-term sports development and empowerment agenda. Institutional Support – Backed by national and state sports bodies for structured development. Breaking Stereotypes – Encourages girls to challenge societal norms and become role models.
• Target Group – Girls aged 13 and under, including first-time players and hidden talent.
• Affirmative Action – Special focus on marginalised communities to ensure inclusivity.
• Platform for Exposure – Competitive leagues to enhance visibility and scouting opportunities.
• Integration with Khelo Bharat Niti – Aligns with India’s long-term sports development and empowerment agenda.
• Institutional Support – Backed by national and state sports bodies for structured development.
• Breaking Stereotypes – Encourages girls to challenge societal norms and become role models.