In a groundbreaking effort to honor women in athletics, a large-scale nationwide league will take place at 250 venues as part of the ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action) initiative, organized by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This event is set to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8, as announced by Minister of State, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, during a press conference at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

ASMITA is an integral component of Khelo India's mission to promote gender-neutral sports among women through various leagues and competitions. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) collaborates with National Sports Federations to facilitate Khelo India women's leagues across different age categories at both zonal and national levels.

Launched in 2021, the ASMITA leagues aim to boost female participation in sports while serving as a platform for discovering new talent throughout India. To date, over 2,600 leagues have been organized across 34 sports disciplines in more than 550 districts and 700 cities, reaching remote areas such as Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram in the North-east, as well as regions previously affected by Naxalism. More than 300,000 women have participated in these leagues.

Khadse announced that events will be held at 250 locations nationwide, focusing on athletics events such as the 100m, 200m, and 400m races for age groups Under-13, 13-18 years, and 18+. Each venue will be staffed with five technical officials, ten volunteers, a competition manager, a Past Champion Athlete (PCA), and a District Youth Officer. The initiative aims to attract a record 250,000 women participants on this significant day.

This event will be executed in partnership with MY Bharat, Khelo India Centres (KICs), the SAI ecosystem, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), State and District Sports Associations, and District Youth Officers (DYOs).

As India gears up for the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and aims to host the 2036 Olympic Games, Khadse emphasized the importance of preparation at the district level. "Hosting an Olympic Games requires more than just infrastructure; it necessitates trained personnel in every district, certified technical officials, and administrative excellence. This initiative for International Women's Day is a step towards that readiness," she stated.

Each athletics event across the 250 locations will also feature women technical officials, developmental workshops, and training aligned with the Athletics Federation of India’s officiating standards, including digital data management and competition documentation.