Parliament Question: Participation of Women and Girls in Sports

**Executive Summary:** This document is a response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2508 regarding the participation of women and girls in sports, answered on August 4, 2025, by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. It outlines the steps taken by the Government of India to promote women's participation in sports, ensure equitable access to training facilities, and establish exclusive training centers for female athletes. While states/UTs primarily manage sports development, the Union Government supplements these efforts. **Key Points / Main Content:** * **Government's Role:** * The responsibility for promoting and encouraging participation of women and girls in sports, including equitable access to training facilities and sports infrastructure, primarily rests with State/Union Territory Governments. * The Union Government supplements state efforts by addressing critical gaps. * **Schemes for Promotion of Sports:** * The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports implements schemes for the promotion of sports, including for female sportspersons: * Khelo India National Programme for Development of Sports * Assistance to National Sports Federations * Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches * National Sports Awards * Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons * Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Program for Sportspersons * National Sports Development Fund * Running Sports Training Centres through Sports Authority of India * **Khelo India Women League (ASMITA League):** * The "Sports for women" subcomponent of the Khelo India Scheme promotes women's participation in sports. * The Khelo India Women League, renamed ASMITA League (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action), was started in 2021. * 1310 competitions have been organized for women athletes with 138875 participants across 29 sports disciplines. * **SAI Training Centers Exclusively for Women:** * Sports Authority of India (SAI) has established four sports training centers exclusively for women: * NCOE Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (51 athletes): Kabaddi, Volleyball * STC Badal, Punjab (71 athletes): Athletics, Boxing, Hockey, Volleyball * STC Thalassery, Kerala (92 athletes): Athletics, Fencing, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Wrestling * STC Solalgaon, Assam (52 athletes): Boxing, Football, Weightlifting **Impact Analysis:** **State/Union Territory Governments:** * *Impact:* Primarily responsible for the development of sports, including promoting women's participation. * *Action Required:* Continue to develop and implement programs to encourage women and girls in sports and provide equitable access to training facilities. **Female Athletes:** * *Impact:* Benefit from increased opportunities for training, competition, and recognition in sports. * *Action Required:* Participate in available programs and leagues, and utilize the training facilities provided by SAI and other organizations. **Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports:** * *Impact:* Responsible for supplementing the efforts of State/UT Governments. * *Action Required:* Continue implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of sports promotion schemes, including the Khelo India program and support for National Sports Federations. **Sports Authority of India (SAI):** * *Impact:* Responsible for running sports training centers, including those exclusively for women. * *Action Required:* Maintain and improve the training facilities, and ensure the effective operation of the women's sports training centers.

Key Entities Referenced