At the heart of this progress is ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestones by Inspiring Women Through Action), which since its launch in 2021 has worked to bring girls from underprivileged communities into sport and expand their horizons beyond traditional expectations.
Photo: IANS
Indian women’s rugby has enjoyed a landmark year, marked by strong performances and growing participation across the country. The national team’s sixth-place finish among 10 sides in the Asia Rugby Emirates Seven Series—one of the continent’s premier competitions—secured their qualification for next year’s Asian Games in Japan, underscoring the sport’s upward trajectory.
At the heart of this progress is ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestones by Inspiring Women Through Action), which since its launch in 2021 has worked to bring girls from underprivileged communities into sport and expand their horizons beyond traditional expectations. Four years on, its impact is increasingly visible.
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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said: “ASMITA embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Nari Shakti driving India’s development. By taking sport to the doorsteps of girls from underprivileged communities, we are not just creating athletes, we are unlocking confidence, courage and aspiration. The rise of women’s rugby shows what becomes possible when Nari Shakti gets opportunity and a platform. When we invest in our daughters, we do not just strengthen a sport; we strengthen the future of Bharat itself.”
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The scale of involvement in ASMITA leagues has grown dramatically. This year, 807 teams and 8,246 athletes participated—more than double last year’s 319 teams and 3,238 athletes. Competitions across U-12, U-15, U-18 and senior categories have been staged in 47 cities in two phases, with zonal rounds set to begin on December 6.
At the 2025 Khelo India University Games in Rajasthan, where KIIT claimed the women’s rugby gold after defeating Chandigarh University 17–5, 53 of the 96 participants were former ASMITA athletes, a testament to the programme’s expanding talent base.
ASMITA has ensured that players get to compete more frequently, a stark contrast to the pre-ASMITA era when tournaments were scarce. Regular exposure has sharpened competitiveness and intensity, allowing athletes to stay match-ready throughout the year.
Crucially, the initiative has also removed barriers for athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. Travel to distant state events was once a major hurdle, but ASMITA’s decentralised model now brings competitions closer to home—often directly into the communities where these girls live.
With events spread nationwide, rugby’s visibility has surged. More children now recognise the sport, sparking curiosity and encouraging many to learn and pursue it with long-term aspirations.
“From the outside, rugby can look threatening because it’s a very physical sport but it’s a lot of enjoyment when you start playing it. Don’t judge it by the way it may look from the outside,” said India player Dumuni Marndi, an Odisha standout who has featured in multiple ASMITA leagues.
Many athletes have even switched from other sports. “After I switched to rugby from athletics at the behest of a rugby coach, I totally forgot about athletics,” said Bihar’s Gudiya Kumari, an ASMITA participant.
Importantly, ASMITA leagues are not solely about identifying future stars. The programme also aims to keep girls engaged with sport for the joy it provides, with cash prizes serving as valuable support for those who continue to compete.
Rajasthan’s Bhumika Shukla summed up that inclusivity: “…I first played in ASMITA in 2023. The best thing about ASMITA is that it gives a platform to even those who can’t make it to the national or state team,” she said.
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