Brief

Union Minister Raksha Khadse calls for expanded women’s sports opportunities in Delhi

Speaking at an All‑Women Coaches Course, Khadse said early talent ID, infrastructure and mentorship are key to India’s sporting ambitions.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 24 Oct 2026 23:38:02 GMT

New Delhi – Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse addressed the All‑Women Coaches Course organised by the All India Tennis Association’s ACE 2032 initiative at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association stadium on Saturday. She stressed the need to expand opportunities for women across the sport‑development pathway, from grassroots participation and coaching to high‑performance competition and leadership roles.

Khadse said early identification of talent, access to qualified coaches, suitable infrastructure, regular competition and sustained support are crucial for India’s ambition to become a leading sporting nation. She noted that sporting talent exists in rural, tribal, semi‑urban and urban communities, and that widening participation would enlarge the talent pool and improve the country’s prospects at national and international events.

The minister also highlighted the importance of creating roles for women beyond the playing field, including in sports science, administration and event management. The programme is backed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India, aiming to strengthen links between coach education, talent identification and elite training.

Khadse referred to the ASMITA women’s leagues under the Khelo India framework, launched in 2021, which have reached more than three lakh women and provide organised competition across regions. She emphasized connecting grassroots initiatives with Khelo India Centres, accredited academies and Centres of Excellence to help promising athletes progress.

The course focused on increasing the number of qualified women coaches and expanding coaching education across states. Participants stressed the value of practical training, mentorship and continued professional development. The initiative also discussed a possible course in Bengaluru starting December 10, with 16 players to be selected for further training.

Key facts

• Raksha Khadse addressed an All‑Women Coaches Course in Delhi on Oct. 24, 2026. (deccanchronicle.com)
• She called for early talent identification, better infrastructure and sustained support for women in sports. (deccanchronicle.com)
• The ASMITA women’s leagues under Khelo India have reached over three lakh women since 2021. (deccanchronicle.com)
• A possible follow‑up course in Bengaluru is planned for Dec. 10 with 16 players selected. (deccanchronicle.com)

Sources

• [1] deccanchronicle.com — originally reported as “Minister Khadse Stresses Need To Expand Opportunities For Women In Sports”