India’s star footballer Manisha Kalyan recently visited the ASMITA under-13 girls’ football league in Guwahati, inspiring a new generation of players with her journey and encouraging words. She called the ASMITA platform a “rare opportunity” for young girls to dream big and pursue careers in sports.
A Star Among Stars
Manisha, a two-time AIFF Player of the Year and the only Indian woman to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, shared her story with the under-13 participants. Her presence at Nehru Stadium added excitement and energy to the event.
She told the girls, “I am still dreaming of playing in the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. With ASMITA, you now have a stage to showcase your skills. Keep playing, keep learning.”
Real Role Models from the North-East
Manisha was joined by two promising footballers from Assam—Rekha Kataki and Dosomi Rowtia. Both athletes are products of the ASMITA league. Rekha has captained North East United FC in the Indian Women’s League Division 2, while Dosomi has been called up to the national camp.
“Football is in the blood of the North-East,” said Manisha. “Eleven of my current teammates are from this region. That says a lot about the talent here.”
ASMITA: A Game-Changer for Women’s Sports
ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) is a flagship initiative under the Sports Ministry’s Khelo India program. Since its inception in 2021, it has grown into a powerful movement aimed at increasing women’s participation in sports.
In 2024–25 alone, 550 leagues were conducted under ASMITA across 27 sports disciplines, with over 53,000 women athletes participating across 34 States and UTs. The program focuses on both grassroots development and talent scouting.
North-East: A Sports Powerhouse in the Making
The Sports Ministry has identified the North-East as a high-potential region. Football leagues in the area have grown five-fold since 2022-23. In 2024-25, 25 football leagues were held under ASMITA in the North-East, featuring 1615 girls.
Building on this momentum, the Ministry plans to introduce a North-East-specific Khelo India Games to give regional athletes more exposure. Manisha welcomed the move, calling it “an excellent initiative that will further boost local talent.”
What Makes ASMITA Unique?
- It is India’s first nationwide, multi-sport grassroots league structure focused on women.
- It supports athletes in age-group competitions across zones and at the national level.
- It helps scout talent from even the remotest districts of India.
- It is gender-neutral but places a strong emphasis on encouraging girls to enter competitive sports.
The current financial year 2025–26 plans to take ASMITA to even greater heights. Over 852 leagues are scheduled across 15 sports, targeting participation from more than 70,000 women athletes.
Building Dreams, One Match at a Time
For many young girls, ASMITA is more than just a league. It’s a place where they discover their passion, develop confidence, and start believing that professional sports is a real career path.
“Five years from now, one of these girls will be playing for India,” said Manisha with hope in her voice. “Just stay focused. Play every match like it’s a final.”
Support Beyond the Field
ASMITA also receives backing from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and National Sports Federations. The program includes coaching support, nutritional awareness, and access to professional training environments.
Such holistic support ensures that talent doesn’t go to waste and is nurtured properly from a young age.
Conclusion: The Future Is Female—and Fearless
Initiatives like ASMITA and the upcoming Khelo India North-East Games are not just events. They are statements. They show that India is serious about promoting women in sports at every level.
As Manisha Kalyan rightly said, “The ecosystem is building, and the future looks promising. We just need to keep the momentum going.”
