Khelo India ASMITA League boosts female participation in National Sports: Mandaviya

Kerala: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the success of the Khelo India ASMITA Women League in significantly increasing female participation in national sports events, during the inauguration of a new girls’ hostel in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Inauguration of girls’ hostel at SAI RC LNCPE

The Minister inaugurated a 300-bed girls’ hostel at SAI RC LNCPE, Thiruvananthapuram. The Rs 32.88 crore facility, constructed under the Khelo India scheme, features a pentagon-shaped design with five blocks, each containing three stories. It includes a central kitchen, dormitories, and ample amenities to accommodate young female athletes.

Focus on India’s Olympic aspirations

Mandaviya stressed India’s goal to secure a place in the top 10 of the medal tally at the 2036 Olympics. He encouraged athletes to play for the country, not just for government jobs, reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Panch Pran, which emphasizes national pride through sporting achievements.

Felicitating Rrenowned sportspersons

As part of the event, Mandaviya honoured prominent athletes, including Arjuna awardees Padmini Thomas, S Omanakumari, Geethu Anna Jose, Saji Thomas, and V Diju, who have represented India in international competitions such as the Olympics and Asiad.

Dr. G Kishore, Principal and Regional Head of SAI RC LNCPE, and Olympian KM Beenamol were also present. Dr. Kishore outlined the campus’s achievements and its role in developing future athletes.