Star Indian footballer and two-time AIFF Player of the Year, Manisha Kalyan, praised the ASMITA Leagues as a “rare platform” for young girls to pursue their football dreams. Speaking at the Under-13 ASMITA League in Guwahati, she also welcomed the announcement of the upcoming Khelo India North-East Games, calling it an “excellent initiative” to boost talent in the region.
Manisha, the only Indian woman to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, interacted with young participants and shared her journey, inspiring over 100 budding players. “I’m still dreaming of playing in the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. With platforms like ASMITA, girls now have the opportunity to train, compete, and grow from the grassroots,” she said.
Two rising stars from Assam, Rekha Kataki and Dosomi Rowtia, both products of the ASMITA League, joined Manisha at the event. Rekha has captained NorthEast United FC in the IWL Division 2, while Dosomi has made it to the national camp.
“Football runs in the veins of the North-East. Eleven of my national teammates are from this region,” said Manisha, encouraging the young players to stay focused and work hard. “In five years, some of you might play for India.”
The ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) initiative, part of the Khelo India ‘Sports for Women’ scheme, continues to see exponential growth. In 2024–25, over 53,000 women athletes participated across 550 leagues in 27 sports disciplines. For 2025–26, a total of 852 leagues across 15 disciplines are planned, targeting over 70,000 women athletes nationwide.
North-East India remains a key focus for the Sports Ministry. Recently, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced the inclusion of a dedicated North-East Games in the Khelo India calendar—further strengthening the region’s sports ecosystem.
“Such initiatives give vital exposure to athletes across all sports, not just football,” said Manisha, who famously scored against Brazil in 2021 and has played professionally in Cyprus and Greece.
Started in 2021, the ASMITA League is designed to enhance women’s participation in sports, build a national talent pipeline, and ensure equitable access to sporting opportunities. Its reach now extends to 34 States and UTs, engaging communities in over 450 cities.
With growing governmental support and expanding grassroots programs like ASMITA, India is witnessing a promising shift towards inclusive, talent-driven sports development.
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