Raksha Khadse Felicitates Asian Rugby Medallists, Launches ASMITA Social Media Handles
The Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, felicitated members of the bronze-winning Indian women’s U-20 rugby team during the launch of the ASMITA Women’s Leagues social media handles.
ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action) is part of Khelo India’s gender-neutral initiative to promote women’s sports across India.
ASMITA Social Media Handles
Since its inception in 2021, ASMITA has conducted 1886 leagues, engaging 2.14 lakh women across 32 sports, spanning over 500 districts and 600 cities, including remote tribal and border regions.
Medal-Winning Rugby Players Felicitated
Smt. Khadse honoured six members of the Asian U-20 bronze-winning rugby squad:
- Dumuni Marndi
- Bhumika Shukla
- Ujjwala Ghughe
- Guriya Kumari
- Sandhya Rai
- Amandeep Kaur
Several players in the national squad emerged directly from ASMITA leagues, demonstrating the programme’s strong grassroots talent pipeline.
Statements
Smt. Khadse said that ASMITA now deserves a unique identity through social media, helping increase awareness and participation among women across India.
Paris 2024 double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker praised the ASMITA programme, stating that it is helping change mindsets in rural India and empowering young girls to pursue sports seriously.
About ASMITA
ASMITA is a flagship Khelo India initiative promoting women’s participation in sports through structured leagues across age groups. Started in 2021, it aims to increase women’s engagement in sports and identify new talent across the nation.