ASMITA Khelo India Football Leagues Reach Shi Yomi Near Indo-China Border

This January, it wasn’t just the sun rising in Arunachal Pradesh—the footballs were also shining bright. About 40 kilometers from Shi Yomi district, a remote yet strategically important region along the Indo-China border, the ASMITA Khelo India Women’s Football League reached new frontiers, bringing the thrill of football to this vital and isolated part of Arunachal Pradesh.

The ASMITA league marked a new milestone by hosting football tournaments in Ziro, Shi Yomi, and Naharlagun, beginning January 15, 2025.

Over 500 women participants from these regions played in the league, which included enthusiastic participation from Monigong, a village on the Indo-China border in Shi Yomi district. This small village, home to many young footballers across age groups (U-13, U-15, and U-17), saw an overwhelming response to the league.

Major Ankiit Sharma, 9th Grenadier, Monigong, who was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony in Shi Yomi, shared his admiration: “70% of these young girls played a football league for the first time. They had only practiced for 10 days, yet they played so well. They’ve never seen such a competitive structure before, and their enthusiasm was extraordinary.”

ASMITA, the flagship Khelo India Women’s Football League, is a key initiative by the Central Government aimed at promoting sports development at the grassroots level, reinforcing inclusivity and equity in sports. The league has energized the football scene in India, particularly in remote areas like Arunachal Pradesh, and opened new avenues for women athletes.

“Sports are paramount for the youth here, and the fast-paced developments in the region have provided the much-needed momentum, especially in football,” said Sh. Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister of Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. “ASMITA has given our girls the platform to showcase their talent, which can take them to national and even international stages.”

The Khelo India initiative allocated a total of Rs 3.07 crore to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the successful execution of ASMITA in the 2024-25 season. Over 90 cities have hosted ASMITA football tournaments this season, with more than 7,000 girls participating.

Dawa Ruku, a football coach at the Government Secondary School in Monigong, expressed how the tournament has been a game-changer for the local community: “For these kids, the ASMITA Women’s League is a huge opportunity. The remoteness of our area makes it difficult for talented kids to go outside and play, but now, they are able to compete on a local ground. It’s a moment they will remember forever.”

The prize pool for the league totals Rs 72 lakh for the winning teams. But the impact extends beyond the rewards: “With constant support, these young girls can rise to new heights and represent the national women’s football team one day,” said Ruku. “ASMITA has not only brought football to a remote area but has also energized the local community, instilling pride and hope for the future. Moreover, it has served as a platform to raise awareness about issues like child marriage in the region.”

About ASMITA Women’s League

The ASMITA League has reached over 83,000 women athletes across almost all States and Union Territories of India. The Khelo India ASMITA Women’s League, conducted in collaboration with more than 21 National Sports Federations (NSFs), aims to increase female participation in sports through organized leagues in various disciplines.

In alignment with its Sports For Women (SFW) mission, Khelo India provides partial or full funding for the technical conduct and incidental expenses of these leagues. The ASMITA League serves as a talent identification framework, with selected athletes inducted into the Khelo India scheme as “Khelo India Athletes,” creating a direct pathway to national and international competitions.