Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Launches ASMITA Weightlifting League
The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, officially launched the 2025 season of the ASMITA league in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, today. The season commenced with a weightlifting league featuring 42 female athletes competing across eight weight categories in a two-day event. This year, the ASMITA initiative aims to engage over 70,000 female athletes through 852 leagues spanning 15 sports disciplines, marking a significant increase from the previous season.
Expansion of ASMITA Leagues
The ASMITA league, which stands for Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women, is part of the Khelo India initiative aimed at promoting women’s participation in sports. This year, the program has expanded significantly, with plans for 852 leagues across various sports disciplines. Last season, 550 leagues were held, allowing 53,101 female athletes to showcase their talents. The current financial year aims to reach a broader audience, with leagues planned across states and Union Territories, thus providing more opportunities for female athletes to participate and excel.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of creating pathways for aspiring athletes. He expressed confidence in discovering new talents, stating, “I see a lot of fire in the eyes of these kids who have turned up here in Modinagar. I am sure we will be able to find another Mirabai Chanu.” The initiative not only aims to increase participation but also to identify and nurture talent at all levels.
Support from Dignitaries
The inauguration event was graced by notable figures, including Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse. Chanu’s presence served as an inspiration for the young athletes, highlighting the potential for success in women’s sports. Smt. Khadse remarked on the significance of the ASMITA league, stating, “Women have demonstrated their ability to excel in sports, and the sky is the limit for them.”
Both Dr. Mandaviya and Smt. Khadse stressed the importance of role models like Chanu, who has set a benchmark for aspiring female athletes. Dr. Mandaviya noted that Chanu’s journey from a remote village in Manipur to Olympic success serves as a powerful motivator for young girls participating in weightlifting.
Government Commitment to Sports Development
Dr. Mandaviya reiterated the government’s commitment to sports development, highlighting a fourfold increase in the sports budget over the past decade. He stated, “We are looking to reach every corner of India and tell aspiring sportspersons that we now have a pathway for you to rise and shine.” The Khelo Bharat Niti, or sports policy, aims to integrate sports into the educational framework, providing a robust structure for school sports.
The government’s focus on grassroots development is evident in the Khelo India calendar, which outlines various opportunities for young athletes. Dr. Mandaviya assured that there would be no shortage of chances for aspiring sportspersons to pursue their dreams.
Mirabai Chanu’s Endorsement of ASMITA
Olympian Mirabai Chanu expressed her support for the ASMITA leagues, describing them as a significant boon for women in sports. She praised the league’s structured approach, which offers a clear pathway for athletes aiming for the highest levels of competition. “We didn’t get such opportunities, and that’s why ASMITA is a blessing for women who want to play a sport and dream big,” she stated.
The ASMITA leagues, initiated in 2021, have been instrumental in increasing female participation in sports and identifying new talent across India. The program not only fosters competitive spirit but also aims to empower women through sports, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed.
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