ASMITA League the Catalyst for Improving India’s Olympic Medal Count: Smt Raksha Khadse

**Executive Summary** The ASMITA athletics league was launched nationwide across 250 locations to celebrate International Women's Day. This initiative aims to increase women's participation in sports, which is seen as a catalyst for improving India's Olympic medal count. The program, launched in 2021, has already seen significant participation from women in various leagues and disciplines. **Key Points / Main Content** * **ASMITA Programme:** * ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action) is a program aimed at increasing women's participation in sports. * It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021. * The program is seen as a catalyst for improving India's medal count in international competitions. * **ASMITA Athletics League Launch:** * A nationwide ASMITA athletics league was conducted in three race categories (100m, 200m, 400m) for girls in three age groups (under-13, 13-18, and 18-plus). * The league was held across 250 locations nationwide, with nearly 2 lakh girls participating in the one-day event. * **Event Commemoration:** * The launch and activities coincided with the celebration of International Women's Day. * The event was organized at the Divisional Sports Complex, Garkheda, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. * **Additional Inaugurated Leagues and Activities:** * The Union Minister of State also inaugurated yoga, wushu, kickboxing, and weightlifting leagues under the ASMITA banner. * A cyclothon and walkathon were flagged off to promote fitness, sports participation, and women's empowerment. * **Partnerships and Collaborations:** * The program was implemented in collaboration with MY Bharat, Khelo India Centres (KICs), the Sports Authority of India (SAI) ecosystem, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), State and District Sports Associations, and District Youth Officers (DYOS). * Collaboration also involved the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra State Sports Department. * **Participation and Impact Statistics:** * To date, the ASMITA League has witnessed the participation of nearly 3 lakh women across 33 disciplines in 2,600 leagues. * In the 2025–26 season, approximately 1.59 lakh women have already participated in 1,287 leagues. * **Vision and Objectives:** * The goal is to make every district active in sports, empower every daughter, and make fitness a national habit. * Through various initiatives, the aim is to build a stronger, fitter, and more empowered India. * India's sports ecosystem is evolving to be more inclusive and women-centric. **Impact Analysis** **Women and Girls:** * **Impact:** Provided with opportunities to participate in organized sports leagues, enhancing their skills, confidence, and potential to excel. Increased participation is expected to contribute to a larger talent pool and improved performance in international events, including the Olympics. * **Action Required:** Continue to engage with ASMITA leagues and affiliated programs to foster continued participation and development in sports. **Sports Ecosystem Stakeholders (e.g., SAI, NCOEs, Sports Associations):** * **Impact:** Increased opportunities for grassroots talent identification and development, particularly among women. Enhanced ability to promote sports participation and women's empowerment through collaborative programs. * **Action Required:** Continue to support and implement ASMITA and related initiatives, fostering collaborations and ensuring the inclusivity and growth of the sports ecosystem. **Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports / Government of India:** * **Impact:** Progress towards the objective of improving India's Olympic medal tally and promoting a fitter, more empowered nation through increased women's sports participation. * **Action Required:** Continue to champion and facilitate programs like ASMITA, ensuring sustained investment and support for women's sports development.

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