Amritsar, September 20, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Rugby India is hosting the ASMITA Rugby League at Amritsar, Punjab. The season’s second City leg will be held at Guru Nanak Dev University, Grand Truck Road, Amritsar, Punjab, on 21st & 22nd September 2024.
A total of 30 women’s teams are expected to participate in the 2 day tournament, with around 400 participants, including rugby athletes, coaches and match officials.
Being an Olympic Sport – ‘Rugby’ is one of the fastest growing sport in the country and Punjab. Rugby is part of the second consecutive season of the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ organised by the Sports Department of the Government of Punjab.
In the State, Rugby has made a significant mark since last decade, especially in Universities in Punjab, and the state has provided many athletes to represent India in International Competitions.
Under the Khelo India flagship program’s scheme component to promote inclusiveness through sports, the objective of the ASMITA League is to infuse a sporting culture and achieve sporting excellence through mass participation of women in sports.
ASMITA refers to Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action. For the 2024-25 season, the league shall be held in 10 cities across the country and will feature three age categories, namely: Sub Junior (U-15 Girls), Junior (U-18 Girls), and Senior Women.
Similar to the inaugural edition the league, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has allocated cash rewards worth INR 30,00,000/-, which shall be awarded to 1,080 girls / women (winners) who shall partake in the league in 10 cities.
“The ASMITA Rugby League is an exceptional initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, that saw a tremendous turnout in its inaugural edition (2023) with over 3,400 athletes participating. Young female rugby players in the country now have a vibrant, new platform for them to engage with the sport.
We would like to thank the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India for their continued support and trust”, said Mr. Rahul Bose (President), Indian Rugby Football Union, on the onset of the league.
