• The Khelo India ASMITA Football League 2025-26 was officially inaugurated in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports. ASMITA — Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women — is a flagship initiative under the Khelo India programme, designed as a gender-neutral mission to promote sports among women through leagues and competitions.
• Launched in 2021, the ASMITA leagues are an affirmative action in sports aimed at increasing women’s participation, fostering inclusive and grassroots-driven sports development. The programme forms a core part of the ‘Khelo Bharat Niti,’ using sports as a tool for nation-building and women’s empowerment.
• It provides a dedicated platform for young girls, addressing historical imbalances in opportunities and enabling the discovery of fresh sporting talent across India.
• The Sports Authority of India (SAI), in collaboration with National Sports Federations, organizes ASMITA leagues across various age groups at zonal and national levels.
• For the 2025-26 financial year, 852 leagues have been planned in 15 sports disciplines, targeting participation from over 70,000 women athletes across all States and Union Territories.
• Beyond fostering competitive excellence, the ASMITA initiative is reshaping societal perceptions about women in sports, enabling them to challenge stereotypes and emerge as role models. The nodal ministry for this programme is the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.