Khelo India ASMITA Football League Launched to Boost Women’s Sports Participation

New Delhi – The Khelo India ASMITA Football League 2025-26 was officially inaugurated in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, by Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports. The initiative, a significant affirmative action step, is designed to increase women’s participation in sports, particularly football, and to tap into hidden talent among girls from diverse communities, including tribal and minority groups.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at Godavari Engineering College Ground, Khadse described the league as a stage “where passion turns into performance.” She emphasized that the event is about more than just competition — it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for girls to shine in sports.

The Khelo India ASMITA League aligns with the government’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ philosophy and is a vital component of the ‘Khelo Bharat Niti,’ promoting grassroots talent development, nation-building, and women’s empowerment. The league seeks to challenge stereotypes, foster role models, and contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global sporting powerhouse.

The launch event was attended by dignitaries including Ketakitai Patil, Farukh Shaikh (Secretary of the Jalgaon District Football Association), and members of the college administration. Organized under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with support from the Sports Authority of India, AIFF, and WIFA, the league marks a strong institutional push for gender equity in sports.